Suspected this was the case - confirmed by the mint this week:
http://www.perthmintbullion.com/blog/blog/11-11-23/Koala_Now_Set_For_January_Launch.aspx
If I'm reading it correctly, the smallest bullion coin available from the Perth Mint for the next 6 weeks will be the 10oz Dragon and Kookaburra. 1/2oz, 2oz and 5oz Dragons remain suspended from production, and 1/2oz Koalas won't launch until January.
http://www.perthmintbullion.com/blog/blog/11-11-23/Koala_Now_Set_For_January_Launch.aspx
Koala Now Set For January Launch
November 23 2011
Posted By Stephen Ward
BULLION BARS AND COINS
As you are aware, we have experienced huge demand for the 2012 Australian Lunar Dragon and Kookaburra 1oz silver bullion coins, which are now sold out.
Due to the time devoted to manufacturing these items we have not been able to prepare a sufficient number of 2012 Koala silver bullion coins prior to their scheduled release on 1 December 2011.
Regrettably, therefore, we have been forced to delay the launch of the 2012 Koalas. As a result, the 1 kilo, 10oz and 1oz and 1/2oz releases will now be available on the Mint's bullion website from 3 January 2012.
This year's iconic design portrays a koala asleep on a tree branch. No mintage limits applies to these coins although production will end once the 2013 releases become available.
goldpelican says:
So in essence, with the sellout of the 1oz Dragon and 1oz Kookaburras, there are no 1oz silver coins available from the Perth Mint between now and the release of the Koala?
Ron Currie says:
Hi Gold Pelican
That's correct. We will not have a 1oz silver bullion coin available until January and even then we'll only launch the Australian Koala if we have sufficient stocks available.
Currently, the refinery and factory remain flat out. However, with no December numismatic catalogue to worry about and production scheduled throughout the Christmas period, we're extremely positive that we'll soon be in a better position.
What we must avoid at all costs is a repeat of the 'Dragon' situation where despite our best efforts the speed of orders simply overwhelmed our ability to supply.
Kind regards
Ron Currie
If I'm reading it correctly, the smallest bullion coin available from the Perth Mint for the next 6 weeks will be the 10oz Dragon and Kookaburra. 1/2oz, 2oz and 5oz Dragons remain suspended from production, and 1/2oz Koalas won't launch until January.