The 2017 Endangered and Extinct coin has just been released and features the Green and Golden Bell Frog.
This is the seventh coin in the annual series that has to date featured the Tasmanian Tiger, Tasmanian Wedge-tailed eagle, Tasmanian Devil, Green Turtle, Mahogany Glider and the Southern Cassowary since it started in 2011.
Tuvalu 2017 Silver Green and Golden Bell Frog Coin Reverse
The green and golden bell frog, sometimes also referred to as the green and golden swamp frog or even simply the green frog, is a ground-dwelling tree frog native to the eastern most region of Australia and parts of New Zealand. The frog has a smooth green skin and patterns of golden brown markings. There is typically a creamy-gold stripe along the side of the body, from the eye all the way to the hind legs. The inside of the thighs are a distinct turquoise-blue colour. It is one counted as of Australia’s largest frogs with females growing to an adult size of approximately 10 centimeters in length, and males having been recorder up to eight centimeters. The species is listed as a vulnerable species with more the known population having declined by more than 30% over the past decade.
The reverse of the coin features a neatly coloured rendition of a Golden Bell Frog resting on a small branch over a body of water. As with previous coins in the series the inscription appears to be carved into a small piece of wood at the bottom of the coin and reads : “GREEN AND GOLDEN BELL FROG”. The frog, water and some of the blades of grass are colourised with the rest of the coin treated with a traditional proof finish.
Tuvalu 2017 Silver Green and Golden Bell Frog Coin Obverse
The obverse depicts the usual Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of the Queen, with the legend encircling her in three parts along the rim. The first parts appears to the top and reads : “QUEEN ELIZABETH II”. The second section is to the right in a anti-clockwise direction and reads “ TUVALU 1 DOLLAR”, while the third part is to the left traveling downwards also in a anti-clockwise direction and reads “1oz 999Ag 2017”.
The commemorative coin is issued as $1 legal tender by the Perth Mint under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu. Struck from 1oz of pure silver(.999 fineness) the coin measures 40.6mm(1.5984 inch) in diameter and carries a maximum mintage figure of 5000 coins. The coin is issued encapsulated in a black lined presentation box along with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Tuvalu 2017 Silver Green and Golden Bell Frog Coin in Box
These coins have seemingly gotten increasingly colourful as the series progresses, especially since 2014's Green Turtle coin. Still the coin fits in nicely with the rest of the series and makes a nice addition if you have the rest of the series. The coin can be ordered directly from the Perth Mint's website and is listed for AUS$99.09(US$76.15) each upon release, alternatively your trusted international coin dealer should be able to get hold of one upon request.
