STARS AND STRIKING METALS: NEW SOUTHERN CROSS COIN CELEBRATES AUSTRALIA IN GOLD
Australia’s night sky has inspired a new high-end bullion collection by ABC Mint, with the debut of a 1oz gold coin honouring the Southern Cross and the nation’s iconic wildlife.
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ABC Mint, part of the Pallion group, has unveiled the Southern Cross collection—an elegant new series of investment-grade bullion coins that pays tribute to Australia’s night sky, cultural identity and natural beauty.
The series launches with a 1oz gold coin featuring a detailed engraving of the Southern Cross constellation set above a silhouetted kangaroo and emu—symbols drawn from the nation’s coat of arms. The reverse design, by renowned coin artist Tony Dean, captures the serenity and strength of the Australian outback under a starlit sky.
Designed for both investors and collectors, the coins are part of an open, unlimited edition, ensuring ongoing accessibility. Pricing is based on the market value of the metal plus a modest premium.
Conceptualised by Ross MacDiarmid AO, former CEO of the Royal Australian Mint, the collection is intended as a lasting emblem of Oceania.
“The Southern Cross is more than a constellation—it’s part of who we are,” said MacDiarmid. “This series honours that legacy with the highest standards of craftsmanship.”
Minted in Australian-mined 99.99% gold and 99.95% silver, the coins are ethically sourced and manufactured by ABC Refinery, an LBMA-accredited facility. The full range will roll out in the coming months, with sizes from 1/10oz to 120oz gold and 1 troy ounce silver.
On the obverse, each coin bears the effigy of King Charles III, approved by the authorities in New Zealand and Buckingham Palace. This reinforces the collection’s Oceania connection and global prestige. The coins are legal tender, with face values ranging from NZD $2 to $500.
“This is a landmark release for ABC Mint,” said Andrew Cochineas, CEO of Pallion. “It’s a refined fusion of design, heritage, and precious metal excellence that speaks to both collectors and investors.”
The Southern Cross collection is available exclusively through ABC Bullion. The 1oz gold coin is on sale now at its flagship boutique at 38 Martin Place, Sydney, or online.
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Australian shares fell on Thursday as Wall Street weakness, rising oil and persistent rate concerns weighed on most of the market. The S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.72 per cent to 8,702. The All Ordinaries lost 0.66 per cent to finish at 8,897. Mining stocks were hit particularly hard, while real estate also dragged on the index. …
Continue reading “ASX falls 0.7 per cent as miners and property stocks retreat”
2 minAustralian shares fell on Thursday as Wall Street weakness, rising oil and persistent rate concerns weighed on most of the market.
The S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.72 per cent to 8,702. The All Ordinaries lost 0.66 per cent to finish at 8,897. Mining stocks were hit particularly hard, while real estate also dragged on the index.
Energy was the notable exception, gaining more than one per cent as Brent crude traded above US$103 a barrel. Oil had moved higher amid uncertainty surrounding potential US diesel-export restrictions and broader geopolitical supply risks. The move supported energy producers but renewed concern about inflation inputs across transport and the wider economy.
Gold shares were weak even as spot bullion remained historically elevated. The All Ordinaries Gold index fell about 2.25 per cent, showing that equity performance can diverge from the commodity because of valuation, currency, operating and company-specific factors.
Zip was a prominent loser, falling 11.38 per cent after the company reported short sales after the previous close. Nine Entertainment also weakened after UBS analysts warned of near-term revenue challenges associated with its advertising-supported subscription tier.
Premier Investments led larger winners despite caution about the retail environment. Breville, in which Premier owns a significant stake, also appeared among leading movers. In the broader ASX 300 screen, Myer gained 11.43 per cent and MAAS Group rose 7.93 per cent, while Lotus Resources fell 10.53 per cent. These percentage moves should be checked against company announcements and trading liquidity before attributing causes.
The Australian dollar was broadly flat at US70.38 cents. Spot gold was around US$4,280 an ounce, Brent crude approximately US$103.08 a barrel and iron ore near US$96.90 a tonne late in the session.
The rate outlook remains the central domestic catalyst. Labour-market weakness has not eliminated the possibility of an RBA increase next week, leaving banks, listed property and other rate-sensitive sectors exposed to changing expectations.
Market dashboard
S&P/ASX 200: 8,702, down 0.72 per cent.
All Ordinaries: 8,897, down 0.66 per cent.
Best sector: Energy, up more than one per cent.
Weakest areas: Real estate and materials were the major drags; confirm final sector percentages before publication.
Material winner: Premier Investments led the large-company gainers. Confirm its final closing move from the ASX before publication.
Material loser: Zip, down 11.38 per cent.
ASX 300 percentage leader: Myer, up 11.43 per cent.
ASX 300 percentage laggard: Zip, down 11.38 per cent.
AUD/USD: Approximately US$0.7038, broadly flat.
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