2026 Butterfly Coloured 2oz Silver Antiqued Coin

Celebrate the enchanting beauty of the Ulysses butterfly with the Perth Mint’s exquisitely crafted 2026 2oz Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin — a collector’s piece that captures the magic of one of nature’s most dazzling icons.

Striking and unforgettable, the Ulysses butterfly (Papilio ulysses) is famed for its vivid, electric-blue wings that shimmer with iridescence. Often called the blue emperor or blue mountain swallowtail, this magnificent species is native to the lush tropical regions of Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.

With a wingspan reaching up to 14 cm, the Ulysses butterfly reveals a brilliant blue flash in flight, while the soft brown underside of its wings provides natural camouflage when at rest. Its radiant colouration is created by microscopic scales that reflect and refract light — a natural phenomenon beautifully echoed in the artistry of this coin. Frequently seen gliding through rainforest canopies and vibrant gardens, especially near native citrus trees, the Ulysses butterfly is a symbol of transformation, vitality, and the wonder of the natural world.

The coin’s coloured reverse features a magnificent Ulysses butterfly at its centre, accompanied by three smaller butterflies in flight. Surrounding the scene are vibrant depictions of native flora, including the golden blooms of goodenia and the delicate pink blossoms of Euodia, celebrated as the Ulysses butterfly’s favourite food.

Struck design elements include the distinctive Cape York lily and the graceful bower of beauty species. Included in the design is a ribbon scroll with the inscription ‘BUTTERFLY’.