The Saltwater Crocodile certainly seems to be very popular at the moment, with both the New Zealand Mint and Australia's Perth Mint issuing coins depicting the predator within the same month. You can have a look at the New Zealand Mint Coin by clicking this link, but here we will be taking a closer look at the Perth Mint's 2017 Saltwater Crocodile coin.
The 2017 Saltwater Crocodile coin is the fifth coin to be released in the Australia's Remarkable Reptiles silver collector's coin series from the Perth Mint. The annual series, which first began in 2013, celebrates Australia's richly diverse and unique reptile populations. Previous issues in the series include the Frilled Neck Lizard, the Thorny Devil Lizard, Australia's Blue Tongue Lizard and the Goanna.
The saltwater crocodile is remarkable as it is the largest living reptile in the world, capable of dominating virtually any other animal that enters it's territory – including other apex predators. The saltie, as it is known to Australians, is capable of growing up to 7 meters(23 ft) in length. Male specimens weighing up to 1200kg(2600 lbs). The typically live in saltwater and brackish mangrove swamps, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, and lower stretches of rivers.
The reverse of the coin itself depicts a colourized image of a saltwater crocodile, with it's powerful and deadly jaws wide open. The background is populated by marine flora typical of the saltwater crocodile's natural habitat. The words “SALTWATER CROCODILE” are inscribed to the bottom of the coin in two lines. The design is completed by a decorative border comprised of different types of reptile scales.
No surprises on the obverse with the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of MH Queen Elizabeth II capturing the focus. The date and country of issue along with denomination, ruler, and metal content are described along the rim. The legend reads : “QUEEN ELIZABETH II”, “1 DOLLAR”, “TUVALU”, “2017” and “1oz 9999 Ag”.
The coin is only available in this partially colourized, proof finish. With a maximum mintage of 5000 coins, the coin is shipped in a veneered wooden display case along with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Struck from 1oz of pure .999 Fineness silver to make a 40.6mm(1.598 inch) coin which is issued as legal tender to the value of $1 under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu.
The Perth Mint is selling the Australia's Remarkable Reptiles - Saltwater Crocodile 2017 1oz Silver Proof Coin for AU$99.09(or roughly US$75.00) per coin. The coin can be ordered directly from the Perth Mint's website.
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