The Royal Australian Mint has produced a silver kangaroo piece every year since 1993. This piece, issued in 2003, was designed by Aboriginal artist Ray Thomas of the Gunnai people from Gippsland Victoria. His design depicts 'Jirrah-Watty' - the big Kangaroo. The reverse legend states "ONE DOLLAR 1 OUNCE OF FINE SILVER". The obverse houses the Raphael Maklouf portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II with the legend "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2003".
The Kangaroo is probably Australia's most iconic animal. It is a marsupial mammal with over sixty different species ranging from the large Red Kangaroo to the small Wallabies. The Red Kangaroo is the largest marsupial in the world and can weigh up to 90 kilograms. Kangaroos of differing species can be found all across Australia whether the climate is cold or hot and in desert or tropical areas. Some can even be found on beaches whilst others live in trees. All kangaroos are herbivorous, eating a range of plants and shrubs and most are nocturnal but some are active in the early morning and late afternoon. The Kangaroo, along with the Emu, were selected as symbols of Australia and are featured on the official Australian coat of arms.