One of our favourite limited run bullion coins of 2018, the Perth Mint’s first Bird of Paradise coin joined a growing selection of nature-themed issues emanating from this Western Australian producer. We’re big fans of this push to a more interesting, lower mintage increase in selection after many years of subtle variations on the basic Koala and Kookaburra coins.

The first coin chose the Victoria’s Riflebird species and depicted it calling out with wings outspread on a tree branch. This year that basic style remains, but we have a different species to look at – the Manucodia. Known for their distinctive song – the result of an extended windpipe acting like a wind instrument – the Manucodia live in the lowland forests of New Guinea and nearby islands. Medium-sized with black-glossed purple and green plumages, they are, uniquely amongst Birds of Paradise, monogamous.

Another fine design by Jennifer McKenna, it remains available in both 1oz gold and 1oz silver form. Mintages are set at 5,000 for the former and 50,000 for the latter, with each supplied encapsulated, even in rolls of 20 in the case of the silver. This one is again distributed by Auragentum in Germany and they have both gold and silver up for pre-order right now, with shipping later this month. A series definitely worth watching.