The Perth Mint has today (January 28th) launched a range of new platinum coins which highlight Australia's wildlife, Aboriginal culture and enduring landscapes, WA Today reports.

Known as the 'Aboriginal Dreamtime' collection, the coins were designed by Darryle Bellotti, the mint's in-house artist who counts Western Australia's Nyoongar and Yamatji people among his ancestors.

The coins, which are made from 99.95 per cent pure platinum in proof quality, are set to be released alongside their gold and silver counterparts between 2009 and 2011 as part of a 45-coin 'Dreaming Series' set.

Ed Harbuz, Chief Executive of the Perth Mint, expressed his belief that the designs will prove to be an attractive purchase for coin collectors in Australia and all around the globe.

He told the news provider: "Auction houses and galleries prove that Aboriginal art continues to be extremely popular.

"Darryl's remarkable work can only extend the reach of its appeal by exposing it directly to large numbers of coin collectors worldwide."

Among the designs to be unveiled today are a kangaroo, a dolphin, a king brown snake, a brolga and an echidna.

Source:

Perth mints Dreamtime coins (28/01/09)
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/perth-mints-dreamtime-coins-20090128-7rio.html