shipment from Perth Mint just arrived

On Dec 20th I put in an order from the Perth Mint using their onsite store. And got
all my goodies today in the mail. How's that for fast service and shipping. Wow.

And even more wow when I opened the package to check out the goodies. I got about
$1300 worth of stuff--- they sent it EMS (rougly equiv to our int priority service) and the
nice thing is no brokers fees, no taxes, no-nothing. A nice lady knocks on your door and
asks for your signature.

Onto the coins.

First up is the kangaroo and turtle (2 diff coins) dreaming coins. These are really neat.
One ouncers. Uniquely rectangular in shape--- they look like the pamp bar's outline---
with a neat turtel and then kangaroo motiff on the back of each coins and the Queen Mum
on the front. These are exceptionally handsome. Althought I don't think the mint called
them proofs--- that it the level of finish--- with a delightful touch in that the front of the coin is
a reverse proof. The workmanship and beauty equals any US made proof that I have in my
collection. Roughly 37.50 each these are a steal.

I got the 90th anniv of the end of WWI-- a one ounce silver proof (approx $52 each). Nice packaging.
A lmited edition. I was one ounce disappointed in this coin--- it did not seem to have the clarity in the most minute detailing. Lustre was also not as great as the "dreaming" coins.

I got the 09 Koala one ounce silver coin. Packaged on a flat cardstock with text about the endangerment of the Koalas. Coin quality was OK. Much more luster than say a W UNC silver eagle--- and it does have some shimmering effects on the background surfaces--- but just didn't
srike me as being gorgeous.

Next coin up is the First Man In Space--- Yuri Gagarin 2008 silver proof one ounce orbital coin.
Price approx $61.00. This coins is very handsome, the details are superbly illustrated and the
finish on the silver portion of the coin is absolutely proof quality. This is an impressive coin in
many respects. the "orbit" stuff is a bit overdramatic---- what it really is is a very small coin
(representing the earth) that is in the middle of the larger silver coins and the smaller coin floats
within the larger coin. the painting (ink printing) on the coin is superb.

and last but not least--- the highlight for me--- a one kilogram silver proof 2009 Oxen from the Lunar series. I had never seen a kilo coin before--- wow--- these have a ton of heft. Very substantial in weight as well as girth -- 101MM in diatmeter and about 15mm thick. Very good proof qualities---
though I think because of the large size it doesn't stamp as well as a smaller coin was my impression. None-the-less it now occupies my top shelf show off slot. In proof quality this guy is approx $900.

Overall I was pretty happy. The service and shipping was great. It's easy and hassle free to order from Perth Mint (they even take paypal).

A really great start for a new year!!!

MSL