Australia Unveils Million Dollar Coin

On October 27th, 2011 Australia's Perth Mint unveiled the world's biggest, heaviest and most valuable coin ever made. Crafted from pure gold, the coin that measures 80cms wide and more than 12 cms deep, weighs a whopping 2,200 pounds. And, while it has a denomination of AUS$ 1mm, its actual value is estimated to be about AUS$53.5 mm, thanks to the gold it is made from.

Timed to coincide with the Queen's visit to Western Australia, the front of the masterpiece features Australia's national symbol - The kangaroo. Surrounding it are rays of sunshine and an inscription that reads AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO 1 TONNE 9999 GOLD, as well as, the year 2012. The back features the continent's Head of State - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Not surprisingly, this gigantic coin which took 18 months to craft, has already made its way into the record books and is bound to stay there for a while, given the fact that it is about ten times heavier than the previous record holder - A One million Canadian Dollar Coin.

And, while this record holder is considered legal tender, meaning it is an official Australian currency, the mint has no intention of selling it. Instead, they plan add it to their gold bullion exhibit which, already attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Resources:worldrecordsacademy.org, pinoyhalo.com