$1 BUSH BABIES 2013 ECHIDNA PNC ISSUE 13

The Perth Mint and Australia Post have released the fourth aluminium bronze coin in this adorable series featuring iconic baby animals.

The coin and stamp both feature the echidna. The echidna is native to Australia, the echidna is recognised by its spiky coat and rambling walk. This endearing animal has a long snout which functions as both a mouth and a nose, and feeds by using its long, sticky tongue to collect food.

The echidna has very short, strong limbs with large claws, which make them powerful diggers. Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the uncirculated aluminium bronze coin is housed in a beautifully designed card that fits inside a similarly illustrated envelope with a circular window revealing the coin’s reverse and obverse designs.

The coin’s reverse features an irresistible image capturing the innocence of the baby echidna. As well as the Perth Mint’s ‘P’ Mintmark, the design features a ‘friendly’ Australian insect and delicately frosted representations of Australia bush flowers.

Affixed to the envelope is an official Australia Post $2.60 stamp. The stamp is postmarked for the first day of issue and the envelope includes Australia Post’s Seal of Authenticity and official number.