2 Dollars - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Australian Kookaburra)

The 1999 Australian 2 Dollars coin featuring the Kookaburra is part of the long-running Australian Silver Kookaburra bullion series, which debuted in 1990 under the Perth Mint. These coins were conceived to offer investors and collectors a high-purity silver option that celebrates iconic Australian wildlife, with the design changing annually to ensure the series remains fresh for numismatists. The 1999 issue occupies a period where the series had firmly established itself as a global benchmark for bullion quality and artistic numismatic craft.

The reverse design of the 1999 coin showcases the distinctive kookaburra, a bird native to Australia, perched on a branch, illustrating the mint's commitment to detailed wildlife portraiture. The obverse features the fourth effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, which was introduced to Australian coinage in 1999. This portrait replaced the earlier Raphael Maklouf design and is characterized by a more realistic, mature depiction of the Queen, which was initially met with critical approval for its technical precision and gravitas.