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Australia Cockatoo

2006 Proof One Hundred Fifty Dollar

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This 150 Dollar gold proof coin was released in 2006 by the Royal Australian Mint and was the third instalment in a series of three, commemorating Australian rare birds. The set was intended to raise awareness for the rare birds and the importance of the preservation of Australian wildlife as well as make a stunning addition to any collection. The three coins were released progressively, one every year between the years of 2004 and 2006.

This coin pays tribute to the South-eastern Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, a large black cockatoo native to Australia. The Rare Bird Series also included coins featuring the Cassowary and the malleefowl. Each of the coins were struck into gold and have a limited mintage of just 2500. As well as this series of $150 the same three birds and designs were also incorporated into a $200 series of the same name. The reverse of this coin was designed by Royal Australian Mint designer and sculptor Wojciech Pietranik. It bears the profile of the striking and distinctive South-eastern Red Tailed Black Cockatoo. The only legend on the reverse of the coin is the 150 DOLLARS. The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and surrounding the image is the legend ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2004. The coin was issued in a beautiful wooden presentation case the outside of which bears the text Australian Government Royal Australian Mint. This was packaged in an outer box creatively designed featuring foliage from the bush and a picture of the coin. The text on the box reads $150 Gold Proof Coin Rare Birds - South-eastern Red Tailed Black Cockatoo. Also included in the box is a Certificate of Authenticity and a booklet containing information pertaining to the rare birds featured in this commemorative set.

The south-eastern Red Tailed Black Cockatoo is a large, black cockatoo that get's its name from the fact that the male of the species has a red panel across their tail feathers. This flash of red can be seen whilst they are in flight, and they tend to stick together in pairs or small groups.These flocks often include other species of cockatoo. The Red Tailed Black Cockatoo includes five subspecies of which the south-eastern is one and one of the most endangered ones. They are typically found in drier environments and are particularly fond of eucalyptus woodlands and tend to nest in large eucalyptus trees. Their habitat being within the forest is what is threatening this particular species and as deforestation increases they are becoming increasingly rare and endangered. The south-eastern Red Tailed Black Cockatoo along with the other four subspecies are currently protected under the 'Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment Act 2001.' As of 2012 there were approximately 1500 individuals remaining and it is officially listed as an endangered species of South Australia.