THE COIN ZOO

COINS WITH ANIMALS

ABYEI COIN DEPICTS AFRICAN WILDLIFE ON MAP OF AFRICA 

Abyei is a territory of some 4000 square miles (10,000 sq.km.) of desert located on the border of Sudan and South Sudan. Because it has rich oil deposits both nations claim the territory.  Under a peace agreement it was supposed to be considered on an interim basis to be simultaneously part of both nations until a referendum could be held.  The referendum has never held due to disputes over voter eligibility.  The area is currently under the control of United Nations Peacekeeping forces from Ethiopia.  The obverse of this unofficial 39mm 2020 dated 500 Franc coin features the arms of Abyei, which includes elements of both the Sudanese and South Sudanese arms.  The reverse features a map of Africa that depicts a rhinoceros, giraffe and lion.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a scalloped edge and a mintage of just 160.

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ACTEON ISLANDS COIN FEATURES FISH AND SAILING SHIP

The Acteon Islands are an isolated group of four atolls located about 870 miles (1,400 km) east-southeast of Tahiti that are under the jurisdiction of French Polynesia. They were first sighted by a European in 1605, but then lost until rediscovered in 1833. In 1836,  Lord Edward Russell mapped the islands and named them after his ship, HMS Actaeon. In 1953 French Polynesia established two civil property companies to develop the atolls and granted them exclusive use for a period of ten years.  Though little was done, the agreement and the atolls were permanently transferred to the companies.  The companies were later dissolved, leaving ownership of the atolls uncertain. In March 2021 the Catholic Mission of Tahiti (CAMICA) claimed ownership of the seven atolls by right of occupation.  The acquisition was challenged in court by decedents of the original owners and has still not been resolved.  One side of the coin depicts a sailing ship sailing into the sunset.  Below are Moorish Idol fish (Zanclus cornutus) and coral.  The other side features Marianne, who is the symbol of the French Republic. This unofficial 2024 silver plated Proof 750 Francs of the Acteon Islands has a mintage of only 120 pieces. 

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GECKO AND SHIP ON AGALEGA COIN

Agalega consists of two small islands in the western part of the Indian Ocean located.  They are administered my Mauritius, which is located 683 miles (1100 km) to the south. It has a population of about 330.  The first settlement was established by a former French Privateer in 1808 who imported slaves.  The exact location of the islands was finally mapped in 1811 by Captain Briggs of HMS Clorinde.  The ship appears on the reverse of the coin.  Mauritius allowed India to start building a major military base on the islands in 2015, over the objection of the residents who saw it as a threat to self-determination and creole language and culture.  The obverse of this unofficial Agalega 2023 dated 500 Rupees coin features a Gecko over the Agalega coat of arms. The coat of arms includes a ship, palm treed, star above a mountain and a key.  The odd shaped coin is struck on silver-plated brass and has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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ANIMALS FROM ALGERIA

This 10-coin set from Algeria features animal and bi-metallic coins.  The 1/4 Dinar shows a desert fox, the 1/2 Dinar features a Barbary Horse. A prehistoric sheep is on the 1 Dinar, a Camel is on the 2 Dinar, an Elephant is on the 5 Dinar. The 10 Dinar is made from an unusual bi-imetallic combination with an aluminum center surrounded by a steel ring. The coin features a falcon. The 20 Dinars has a lion's head.  The 50 Dinars shows a Gazelle, The 100 Dinars depicts a horse's head.  The 2012 dated 200 Dinars commemo
es the 50th anniversary of Algeria's independence from France. The 1/4 Dinar is aluminum, 1/2, 1, 2 and 5 Dinars are stainless steel and the 10, 50, 100 and 200 Dinars are bi-metallic. The coins date from 1992 to 2018 and are Uncirculated.  It is a scarce and rarely seen set.

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DRILL ON AMBAZONIA COIN

Ambazonia is a self-declared, unrecognized state in western Africa. In 1961 the southern portion of English-speaking British Cameroon was attached to the larger French Cameroon to create the independent Federal Republic of Cameroon.  Many of the English speakers did not feel they were being fairly treated by the French majority and in 1972 a new constitution stripped the region of much of its local authority. After a series of wide spread protests, the Federal Republic of Ambazonia declared independence in 2017. Guerilla warfare has been ongoing.  The obverse of this unofficial Ambazonia 5 Ambo coin features the coat of arms. The reverse depicts a Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) and the outlines of other Old World Monkeys (Cercopithecidae).   The 40mm eight-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 135 pieces.

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ANDORRA COIN PICTURES CHAMOIS

The Principality of Andorra is a tiny nation on the border of France and Spain that is nominally ruled by the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France.  In 2002 it issued this 27mm aluminum 1 centim depicting a Pyrenean Chamois (Isard in French, from the local dialect Izardo) on one side and the Arms of Andorra on the other.  The Chamois was almost hunted to extinction for the production of chamois leather by the 1940’s, but since then the population has recovered.

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ANIMALS ON ATTRACTIVE AUSTRALIAN COIN SET

This six coin set from Australia features that nation’s unusual native wildlife.  The 12-sided 50 cents features a kangaroo and emu supporting the nation’s arms.  A duckbill platypus is on the 20 cents.  The 10 cents features a lyrebird.  A spiny anteater, also known as an echidna, is on the 5 cents.   A frill-necked lizard is on the 2 cents. The 1 cent depicts the tiny feather-tailed glider.  All six coins date between 1978 and 1980 and feature the Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.  The coins are Uncirculated.

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KING CHARLES III ON 2024 1 OUNCE SILVER KOOKABURRA

King Charles III appears for the first time on Australia's 1 troy ounce silver Kookaburra with this 2024 issue.  The reverse depicts a Kookaburra holding a snake in its claws flying over a gorge. The Perth Mint commemorates its 125th Anniversary with a special "P125" mintmark on the reverse. Also included in the reverse design is the date, weight and fineness.   Both sides of the coin are reverse frosted, with bright devices against a beautiful frosted field.  The 40.9mm coin is struck in .9999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule. It is legal tender for 1 Australian Dollar. 

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AUSTRALIA 2023 SILVER KOALA

The 2023 Australian 1 troy ounce silver Koala will be the last to feature Queen Elizabeth.  The coin features Jody Clark's portrait of the Queen wearing the George VI State Diadem.  The reverse depicts a mother koala clinging to a gum tree while her joey hangs on her back.   The 40.9mm .9999 fine 1 troy ounce silver coin is struck with a distinctive reverse frosting (fields are frosted, relief is bright) and comes in a protective capsule.  The coin was struck by Australia's Perth Mint and has a nominal face value of 1 Dollar.

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Also see:
AUSTRALIA SET OF FIVE 2 DOLLAR 2016 OLYMPIC COINS IN FOLDER, BU
AUSTRALIA 2 DOLLARS 2016 PARALYMPIC GAMES, UNC.

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AUSTRIA EASTER BUNNY 5 EURO

This 2018 5 Euro coin from Austria celebrates both Easter and the 300th anniversary of porcelain manufacturing in Vienna.  The coin features a porcelain Easter Bunny designed by Michael Powony around 1930 and produced by Vienna’s famous Augarten Porcelain Manufactory.  Porcelain manufacturing was established in Vienna in 1718 by Claudius Innocentius du Paquier, a Dutchman who stole the secret of how to make Porcelain from Meissen. The nine-sided copper coin is 28.5mm and has a mintage of 200,000 pieces.  The obverse features the arms of each of the nine Austrian federal states and the denomination. 

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COINS FROM THE WORLD'S MOST COMPLICATED INTERNATIONAL BORDER

Baarle-Hertog is a Belgian municipality that consists of 16 parcels of land, completely surrounded by the Netherlands.  Baarle-Nassau is a Dutch municipality that includes seven parcels that are in turn surrounded by Baarle-Hertzog, and an eighth parcel surrounded by Belgium.  The complex border results from numerous medieval treaties, land-swaps and sales between the Lords of Breda and the Dukes of Brabant dating back to the 12th century.  The border was only finally officially defined in 1995. Some buildings straddle both nations. The nationality of a building is determined by the location of its front door.  Building owners have been known to move their front door, when it was advantageous to change nationalities.  Prior to the formation of the European Union this strange border provided opportunities for smuggling.  Today it is a tourist attraction.  Unofficial 2021 dated silver-plated Proof coins were recently issued for these two territories.  The Baarle-Hetzog 250 Franc coin features the arms of Belgium and a Belgian griffon dog.  The Baarle-Nassau 250 Guilder depicts a Netherlands Kooikerhondje.  Only 140 pieces of each were struck.

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PIGS ON BIG MAJOR CAY COIN

Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island, is uninhabited by humans, however it does have a population of about two dozen swimming pigs. It is located in the Exuma district of the Bahamas.  The pigs are a popular tourist attraction.  The feral domestic pigs are not afraid of people.  They love to take to water and lay in the sun on the beach.  The pigs are fed by tourists and from passing yachts, and if the boat gets close enough to the shore, the pigs can jump in on their own, begging for food.  Drinking water is provided by small lakes on the island.  No one is quite sure how the non-native pigs got there.  Some claim they were left by sailors who planned to later pick them up and eat them, but never returned.  Others say they survived a shipwreck, or were brought to the island to attract tourists.   This odd-shaped 2023 20 Dollar coin of Big Major Cay has an unusual design, the design on the front wraps over to the back.  The design includes the Bahamas coat of arms and two pigs, half of one of the pigs is on the front of the coin with the other half is on the back.  The unofficial silver-plated Proof coin is 39mm and has a mintage of just 125 pieces.

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BOUVET ISLAND COIN FEATURES KILLER WHALES

Bouvet Island is a small, remote, ice-covered island in the South Atlantic that belongs to Norway.  It was discovered in 1739 by Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier, after whom the island is named.  He mislabeled its coordinates, and so it was lost for almost 70 years.  Norway claimed the island in 1927. The first accurate map of the island was not made until 1985. Today the island is a nature reserve that houses a small research station that is inhabited during the summer months.  This unofficial 2021 dated 200 Kroner depicts a mother Killer Whale (Orca) and her calf.  The obverse includes the arms of Norway, denomination, date and a compass rose.  The silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 140 pieces.

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BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY SEA LIFE COINS IN TITANIUM & COPPER-NICKEL

The British Indian Ocean Territory consists of the 55 islands of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is the home of some of the world’s cleanest oceans and has a vast array of marine wildlife.  In 2018 the British Indian Ocean Territory featured two giant species, the Manta Ray and the Coconut Crab, on coins struck in both titanium and copper-nickel.  The Manta Ray is a gentle giant of the ocean, reaching as much as 23 feet (7 meters) across and weighing almost 3000 pounds (1350 kg.).   They are harmless to humans and feed on microscopic zooplankton. The coin shows a Manta Ray skimming above the coral covered ocean floor followed by a group of Remoras. The Coconut Crab is the world’s largest Land Arthropod and an incredibly impressive looking crab.  It can weigh over 9 pound (4kg.) and its leg span can reach over 3 feet (1 meter).  It can live over 60 years. They are found throughout Indonesia, Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific. Although their name suggests that they primarily feed on Coconuts, this is not the case and coconuts make up as small proportion of their diet. They can however be found climbing the Coconut Palms and occasionally using a broken coconut shells as protection. Recent footage has shown a coconut crab hunting a Sea bird! Once they get hold of the bird, their powerful claws easily break the bird’s wings and then more crabs that smell the kill will descend on the defenseless bird! Coconut crabs have been extensively hunted on islands where there is a human population as their flesh is considered both a delicacy and an aphrodisiac. When the tables are turned and they manage to pinch a human, they can cause considerable pain and will not release their grip for a long time. One technique used to free someone from their powerful grip is to tickle their underbelly!  The coin shows two large coconut crabs, one on the ground feasting on the flesh of a coconut and the other climbing a coconut palm.  The 2018 dated coins are denominated as 2 Pounds and come in two metals.  The Titanium coins are 36.1mm, weigh just 10 grams (about a third of an ounce), have a mintage of 7,500 pieces each and come in a capsule in a presentation box with a Certificate of Authenticity.  The Manta Ray titanium coin is dark blue, while the Coconut Crab is struck in golden-brown titanium..  Because of the way the metal reacts and technical difficulty in striking titanium, the color of each coin is slightly different.  The copper-nickel coins are 38.6mm, weigh 28.28 grams and have a mintage of 10,000 each.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of all the coins.

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BI-COLOR 2021 TITANIUM AND COPPER NICKEL COINS FEATURE PARROTFISH

British Indian Ocean Territory recently released 2021 bi-color titanium and copper nickel 2 Pound coins featuring three Parrotfish swimming among coral.   The titanium coin features yellow-green parrot-fish against a sea-blue background.   The coin is not painted but is anodized using a special process so that the color is an integral part of the metal of the coin.  It weighs only 10 grams and has a mintage of only 5000 pieces.  The coin comes is housed in a stunning red box with a Certificate of Authenticity.   The same design, but without color is used on a 38.6mm copper-nickel coin. The copper-nickel version has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of both coins.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND DOLPHIN DOLLARS 

Frolicking bottlenose dolphins are featured on these three 1 Dollar coins of the British Virgin Islands. The 2004 issue features a dolphin swimming in a coral garden.  The 2005 depicts a mother and baby dolphin.  The 2006 issue depicts two dolphins in play. The Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of these 38.6mm copper-nickel coins.  The coins were a three-year series featuring these playful creatures which inhabit the waters surrounding the islands.  The British Virgin Islands, located northeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, have a population of about 30,000 and an area of just 59 square miles (153 sq. km.).  It includes about 16 inhabited islands and some 50 smaller islands and cays. Only three annual issues were struck for this attractive series, before it was discontinued. 

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2019 PORCUPINE FISH COIN IN YELLOW TITANIUM & COPPER-NICKEL

The British Virgin Islands issued these 2019 coins depicting a Porcupine Fish in both Golden Yellow Titanium and copper-nickel.  Both coins have the same design, depicting Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and the unusual fish in a puffed-up state on the reverse.  The fish has the unusual ability to increase its size by almost double vertically by swallowing air.  This, and its sharp spines which radiate outward when the fish is inflated help discourage predators.  The golden yellow titanium version is denominated 5 Dollars, is 36.1mm, has a mintage of 7,500 and come in a box with a Certificate of Authenticity.   The copper-nickel version is denominated 1 Dollar, is 38.6mm and has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.

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BEAUTIFUL BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS UNA AND THE LION DOLLARS

Una and the Lion is one of the most beautiful, popular and expensive of all British coins.  The gold 5 Pound coin was struck for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1839. One recently sold for $188,667.  The design, created by sculptor William Wyon, was based on Edmund Spenser’s poem Faerie Queene which tells the tale of Princess Una after St. George had slayed the dragon and rescued her. During the course of her travels, Una met a lion who was so mesmerized by her beauty he became her companion and protector.  On the coin Una was modeled after 19-year old Queen Victoria.  The Lion is a traditional symbol of Britain. Thus the design is an analogy for Victoria leading Britain.  The legend ‘DIEU ET MON DROIT’ meaning ‘God on my Right’ is the motto of the British monarchy.  The British Virgin Islands recreated this beautiful design, initially on a silver dollar, and now on a copper-nickel dollar to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria.  The obverse features Queen Elizabeth, the great, great granddaughter of Queen Victoria.  Both are 38.6mm and denominated 1 Dollar.  The silver version has a frosted Brilliant Uncirculated finish and contains 1 troy once of .999 fine silver and a mintage of 50,000 pieces..   The copper nickel version has a mintage of just 10,000 pieces.  They are attractive coins at affordable prices.

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BI-METALLIC 2011 COINS FROM CABINDA AND REDONDA 

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the World Wide Fund for Nature, also known as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), bi-metallic coins have been issued for the unrecognized states of Cabinda and Redonda by a firm in China. Cabinda is a former Portuguese colony in West Africa that is controlled by Angola. The bi-metallic 2011 Cabinda 3 Reis features a variety of wildlife along the edge, including a lion, lizard. butterfly, fish, elephant, squid, ostrich and a frog. The other side features the Panda logo of the WWF and the seal of the Banco de Cabinda. Representatives of Cabinda claim that its issues are not authorized by them. The bi-metallic 2 Dollar coin from Redonda features a Manatee one side. The arms of the Kingdom of Redonda and the Panda logo of the WWF are on the other side. Redonda is a small island in the Caribbean that was discovered by Columbus in 1493. During the late 19th century it was heavily mined for its rich guano deposits. The mining operations ceased during the First World War, and it has been uninhabited since then. The Kingdom of Redonda was first mentioned in the novels of West Indian author M.P. Shiel, who claimed to be King Felipe of Redonda. Since then there have been various claimants to the throne. Both coins are Uncirculated.

Item CABINDA-WWF CABINDA 3 REIS 2011 WWF UNC. $15.00

Item REDONDA-WWF KINGDOM OF REDONDA 2 DOLLARS 2011 WWF UNC. $15.00

Item WWF-SET2 Above 2 bi-metallic coins: CABINDA & REDONDA WWF, 2011 Unc. $25.00

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CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC COINS

A movement to create California as an independent nation has been active for some years. The movement is headed by a New Yorker living in Russia. It appears most its funding is from Russia and social media support from both Russia and Iran.   The movement has found little backing within the state, (though there are probably some conservatives who would be happy to see California leave the Union.)  Recently a Russian coin dealer created two beautiful coins for the California Republic. Both coins are denominated as 20 California Dollars and are dated 2020.  They are 40mm eight-sided, silver plated Proof coins.  One depicts a Bobcat and her kitten in Yosemite Valley.  The other features Minerva and sailing ships.  The design is from the state seal.  The reverses of both coins depict a Grizzly Bear and the words "CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC". The design comes from the California State Flag.  The Bear Flag Republic design is based on a flag used in the 1846 revolt against Mexico.   Each coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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COW HEAD MILK TOKEN FROM CANADA

This unusual token is in the shape of a head of a cow!  It is good for 1 Quart of milk from the MacNicolls Dairy in Brantford, Ontario.  The aluminum token is 37mm and probably dates from the 1940's.  Milk tokens would be purchased in advanced.  Tokens would then be left for the milkman for however many quarts a customer desired.  It was safer than leaving cash and avoided complicated billing. 

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RARE CHINESE STURGEON

A critically endangered Chinese sturgeon is featured on this 1999 Chinese 5 Yuan An adult Chinese sturgeon can range from 6.5 to 16.5 feet (2m to 6m) in length and weigh between 440 and 1100 pounds (200-500kg.) making them one of the largest sturgeon species.  Sturgeons are primitive fish dating back to the Cretaceous period (143 to 66 million years ago). It was considered a delicacy during the Qing (Ching) Dynasty. Overfishing and loss of habitat has made them critically endangered.  China has named them a "national treasure" is has several programs to reintroduce the species.  The 32mm copper coin has the emblem of the People's Republic of China on the obverse.

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CHINA CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE TIGER

China commemorated the Year of the Tiger with this attractive 27mm bi-metallic 2022 dated 10 Yuan coin. The reverse depicts a traditional artistic paper-cutting of a tiger, a palace lantern and tree branches.  The obverse features the denomination surrounded by an intricate etched floral design. The large number 10 contains latent images which change from "R M B" to "10 10 10" when the coin is moved. The design also features micro-letters and other anti-counterfeiting devices.

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2023 CHINESE SILVER PANDA

China continues their popular annual silver Panda coin series with this 2023 issue depicting two young pandas playing in a tree.  They are facing each other, one in the tree and one below, extending their paws as if one is offering the other a “hand” up in the tree.  The coin was designed by China Mint's coin designer Tong Fang, who designed many of the previous coins in the acclaimed Panda series.  The obverse features the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and the date.  The Brilliant Uncirculated 40mm coin has a nominal face value of 10 Yuan, contain 30 grams of .999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule.   We also have a limited number of the 2022 silver Panda featuring two young Pandas playing in the snow.

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2024 CHINA SILVER PANDA

China continued their popular silver Panda series with this 2024 issue depicting a mother panda and her cub.  The mother is the panda that was depicted as a cub on the 2019 issue!  The obverse includes the date and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.  The Brilliant Uncirculated 40mm coins have a nominal face value of 10 Yuan, contain 30 grams of .999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule.

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2024 BI-METALLIC CHINA TIGER & LEOPARD PARK COMMEMORATIVE

China commemorated the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park on this 2024 bi-metallic 10 Yuan coin. The park was launched in 2017. It covers 5,642 square miles (14,612 sq.km.) bordering Russia and North Korea.  The coin depicts a tiger sitting in the foreground and a walking leopard in the background.  The emblem of China and the date are on the obverse of the 27mm coin.

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CHINA 2025 BI-METALLIC 10 YUAN HAINAN RAINFOREST NATIONAL PARK

China released a 2025 bi-metallic 10 Yuan commemorating the Hainan Rainforest National Park.  The park encompasses about 1650 square miles (4259 sq.km.) of the central part of Hainan, which is an island off the southern coast of China.  The park is noted for its large diversity of plants and wildlife. The 27mm coin features the parks scenery which includes two Hainan gibbons, the Wanquan River and Wuzhi Mountain.  At the bottom is a Hainan peacock-pheasant.

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THE LOST TREASURES OF COCO

Isla del Coco is a remote jungle island in the Pacific.  It is administered by Costa Rica as a National Park. Its only inhabitants are rangers who are temporarily assigned there.  It has long been rumored to be the hiding place of great treasures, including Incan treasures, treasures raided from Spanish galleons, the Treasure of Lima stolen from the Spanish by an English sea captain in 1820 and treasures hidden by various pirates who briefly inhabited the island in the 19th century.  Hundreds of attempts have been made to discover the buried riches, but so for only a few gold coins and some jewels have been discovered.   Today treasure hunting is prohibited on the island.   This unofficial 2025 Isla del Coco 250 Piastros features a pirate ship, the Jolly Roger and the Costa Rican coat of arms on the obverse.  The reverse depicts a Virginia Deer, a species that was probably introduced in the 19th century.  The eight-sided, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 110 pieces.

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COELACANTH FROM COMOROS 

The Coelacanth is known as a “living fossil”.  The primitive fish was believed to be long extinct until a scientist found one in a fisherman's net.  It turned out the folks on the Comoros islands had been eating them for years.  A Coelacanth is featured on this 31mm aluminum 5 Francs dated 1984. It was issued by Comoros in conjunction with the World Fisheries Conference. The other side features coconut palms and coconuts.  Comoros is a republic located on a group of small islands off the east coast of Africa.   It is an attractive coin with an unusual fish.

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LEOPARD ON CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC COIN  

A fierce leopard, crouching on a tree limb and about to pounce, is featured on this 1967 10 Sengi coin from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The 17mm aluminum coin has the date and denomination on the obverse. 

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COLORFUL CORAL SEA COINS

The Coral Sea Islands Territory is a group of small and mostly uninhabited tropical islands and reefs located east and south of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. They cover some 300,000 sq. miles (780,000 sq.km.) of ocean with a land area of about 1 square mile (3 sq.km).  They are inhabited by about 1,500 species of fish, 400 varieties of corals, about 5000 species of mollusks but no permanent human residents.  Two odd-shaped, unofficial 2025 Coral Sea Islands Territories 50 Dollar coins were recently issued.  Both feature King Charles on the obverse and a multi-color image of sealife on the reverse.  The Abington Reef issue depicts a Parrotfish (Scaridae).  The Dart Reef issue pictures a Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas).  Both are 39mm, silver-plated brass Proof coins with a mintage of only 125 each.

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UNUSUAL MULTI-COLOR COINS FROM CORAL SEA REEFS 

Bougainville Reef and Flora Reef are Australian territories in the Coral Sea. They are popular with divers and recreational fishermen. Bougainville Reef is the home of an unmanned lighthouse and weather station. Flora Reef is a 4.6 sq. mile (12 sq.km.) submerged atoll. Unofficial 10 Dollar coins were issued for these uninhabited locations dated 2017. Both are multi-color quarter circle wedge shaped coins. A laced moray eel (Gymnothorax favagineus) in depicted on the Bougainville coin. The Flora Reef coin features a blue-girdled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus). The obverses of the coins depicts Queen Elizabeth The odd-shaped silver-plated Proof coins are 46mm x 34mm and has a mintage of only 200 pieces each.

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GOLIATH HERON ON COIN OF DAHLAC

Dahlac is an archipelago of over 100 islands located in the Red Sea, only four of which are permanently inhabited. It has a population of about 2500.  In Roman times it was famous for its pearls. Even today it still has a small pearl diving industry. Over the centuries it has been used as a prison and a major conduit of trade and slaves between Africa and Arabia.  Recently it has become a popular destination for yacht cruising and scuba divers.  It is currently controlled by Eritrea.  This unofficial six-sided 2020 50 Nafka coin of Dahlac depicts a Goliath Heron on the reverse.  The large bird can reach up to 5 feet (152cm) and have a 7.5 foot (230cm) wingspan. The emblem of Dahlac featuring a camel is on the obverse.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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FIRST MODERN COINS OF DARFUR FEATURE AFRICAN WILDLIFE

The Sultanate of Darfur recently released an attractive set of seven coins that include a bi-metallic, unusual shapes and feature African wildlife. The non-circulating coins are the first modern coins for the embattled sultanate that is engaged tragic war in an attempt to regain independence from Sudan. The Bi-metallic 500 Dinars features the Nile crocodile. The eight-sided 250 Dinars pictures an African elephant. The square 100 Dinars has a leopard. The scalloped edged 50 Dinars shows a hartebeest. The 25 Dinars pictures a camel. An African civet is on the 10 Dinars, and an African wild dog is on the 5 Dinars. All coins are dated 2008 and have an Arabic inscription on the obverse.   Some coins have spots, so we grade them AU-UNC.

INDIVIDUAL DARFUR COINS FROM THE ABOVE SET:

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DUCIE ISLAND COIN FEATURES SAILING SHIP AND TROPICBIRD

Ducie is an uninhabited atoll in the Pacific Ocean, located 470 km east of Pitcairn. Administratively it is a British Overseas Territory. Ducie was discovered in 1606 by Pedro Fernandez Quiros, who called it Luna Puesta. It was rediscovered by HMS Pandora captain Edward Edwards, who was sent in 1790 to capture the mutiny participants on HMS Bounty. He named it Ducie in honor of the 3rd Earl Ducie, Francis Reynolds-Moreton, under whom he had previously served. In 1867, under the Guano Act, the United States laid claim to the territory, but on December 19, 1902, the island was annexed by Great Britain and became part of the Pitcairn Islands. On 4 August 1937, Captain J. W. Rivers-Carnac, commanding HMS Leander, asserted British sovereignty over Ducie by raising the Union Flag and erecting plaques declaring the island to be the property of King George VI. Due to its inaccessibility and distance from Pitcairn, cruise ships visit Ducie once or twice a year.  The obverse of this unofficial 2024 100 Tala of Ducie Island depicts King Charles III, his cypher and Pitcairn coast of arms.  The reverse includes a Red-tailed tropicbird, a sailing ship and palm trees.  The 39 mm, silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of 125 pieces.

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MYSTERIOUS MOAI ON EASTER ISLAND PESO

One of the famous and mysterious moai statues is featured on the obverse of this 2007 Easter Island 1 Peso coin.  A Bonito fish is on the reverse.  Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui is controlled by Chile.  This unofficial 16.5mm nickel-plated brass coin has a mintage of 9000 pieces.

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ETHIOPIA COIN SET DEPICTS LION & OTHER ANIMALS

This five coin set from Ethiopia includes the 1 Cent to the 50 Cents, dating from 1977 to 2004.  All five coins feature a lion’s head on the obverse.   The 1 Cent shows a farmer and two oxen.  The 5 Cents features a soldier. The 10 Cents shows a Mountain Nyala.  The 25 and 50 Cents features Ethiopians with upraised arms carrying tools and weapons.  

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FALKLAND ISLAND COIN SET FEATURES WILDLIFE

Native wildlife is featured on this eight-coin set from the Falkland Islands.  The 1 pence pictures a pair of penguins.  An Upland goose is on the 2 Pence.  The 5 pence features an albatross.  A pair of Ursine seals is on the 10 pence. The seven-sided 20 pence shows a Romney marsh sheep.  The seven-sided 50 pence pictures the now extinct Falkland Island fox.  The 1 pound coin features the Falkland arms, which includes a sailing ship and a sheep.  The coin has a lettered edge that reads “DESIRE THE RIGHT”.  The bi-metallic 2 Pound coin is dated 2004 and shows a map on the islands in the center.  It has a lettered edge that reads "30 YEARS OF FALKLAND ISLANDS COINAGE".  A variety of native wildlife, including various birds, a seal, penguins and a dolphin surround the map.  The obverse all depict Queen Elizabeth.  The coins date from 2004 to 2019. 

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2011 FAROE ISLANDS COINS 

These 2011 dated unofficial pattern coins picturing native wildlife are the first issues for the Faroe Islands in 70 years!  The Faroe Islands (also spelled Faeroe) is a self-governing Danish possession in the North Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland.   The 8 coin set includes a 35mm tri-metallic 50 Kronur featuring a Ram's head.  The 27mm aluminum-bronze 20 Kronur features a Gray Seal.   The 23mm 10 Kronur pictures a Twait Shad fish.  A Eurasian Oystercatcher bird is onthe 28.5mm cupro-nickel 5 Kronur. The 24.5mm cupro-nickel 2 Kronur shows a Black Guillemot in flight. An Atlantic Puffin is on the 20mm cupro-nickel 1 Krona.   A Faroes or Shetland Sheep Dog is on the 21.5mm copper-plated zinc 50 Oyru. The 17.5mm copper-plated zinc 25 Oyru pictures a Common Shore Crab. The obverse of each of the coins features the Faroe arms which depict a Ram.  Only 10,000 sets of these attractive pattern coins were issued.
INDIVIDUAL COINS FROM THE ABOVE FAROE SET

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FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA & EQUATORIAL AFRICAN STATES

French Equatorial Africa was a federation of French colonial territories in Africa that are now the independent nations of Central African States, Chad, Republic of Congo and Gabon.  In 1958, shortly before the territories were granted independence, France issued an aluminum-bronze 5 Franc coin for use in the territories, as well as the neighboring colony of Cameroon. The obverse of the coin depicts three giant elands and an the inscription that translates as “French Equatorial Africa Currency Institute Cameroon”. The reverse includes the denomination and a wreath made up of cotton, coffee, cocoa and grains, which were important export crops. The coin was struck only a single year.  After the colonies were granted independence new coins were issued with the same design but with a revised inscription that translates as  “Equatorial African States Central Bank Cameroon”  This aluminum-bronze 1962 10 Franc was issued by the Equatorial African States.  Both coins were struck at the Paris mint.

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SHARK, RAY & SAILING SHIP ON GEYSER REEF COIN

Geyser Reef (Banc du Geyser) is dangerous, low reef in the Mozambique Channel about 78 miles (125km) northeast of Mayotte.  France, Comoros and Madagascar all claim the reef, though it is presently under French control.  It was first known to Arab sailors about 700AD and has been shown on some navigation charts since about 800AD.  It got its present name when the British ship HMS Geysir ran aground on the reef on December 23, 1678. The ship is depicted on the reverse of this unofficial triangular 2024 Geyser 5000 Francs.  The obverse depicts both a whale shark, manta ray.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of 125 pieces.

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GIBRALTAR DOLPHIN 50 PENCE  

Five bottlenose dolphins are pictured on the back of this 27.3mm 1997 Gibraltar 50 Pence coin. The Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen Elizabeth wearing the George VI State Diadem in on the obverse. The coin was struck only a single year. In 1997 Gibraltar reduced the diameter of the 50 Pence coin from 30mm to 27.3mm.  In 1998 the Queen's portrait was updated to an older portrait of the Queen wearing a tiara.  At the bottom of the reverse is "AA" indicating the die that was used to strike the coin. 

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GOUGH ISLAND  BIMETALLIC COIN FEATURES OWL

Gough Island is an isolated island in the South Atlantic.  Though located some 250 miles (400km.) south-east of Tristan da Cunha, it is a dependency of Tristan da Cunha.  It has only about six inhabitants who operate a weather station and conduct research.  The island is a major bird sanctuary, though in recent years many of the bird species have been endangered by mice eating their eggs.  In 2009 Tristan da Cunha released a 26mm bi-metallic 25 Pence for Gough Island.  The coine features an owl on the reverse and  Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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GREENLAND TRIMETALLIC COIN FEATURES DOGSLED TEAM

Greenland has strategic military importance to the United States and rich mineral resources.  Alaska also has rich mineral resources, but our environmental laws prevent us from extracting them.  This unofficial pattern tri-metallic 50 kroner depicts a dog sled team.  A polar bear is on the obverse. The 34mm coin features a copper outer ring, brass middle ring and a copper-nickel center. It has a mintage of 12,000.

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KITTY CATS ON PARADE

From 1988 to 2016, the Isle of Man (home of the Manx cat) issued a 1 Crown coin featuring a different breed of cat. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of the coins.  The series apparently came to an end in 2016 when the Pobjoy Mint lost the contract to strike coins for the Isle of Man.  The 38.6mm copper-nickel coins are popular with both cat lovers and coin collectors.    The coins are pictured in order starting with the latest issue in the top left going down to the the first 1988 issue at the bottom. Hold your pointer over the coin to see which the cat and the year.

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KISSING SWANS OF MANN

This 2007 1 Crown from the Isle of Man features a pair of facing swans forming a heart.  The lovely coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.   The copper-nickel coin is 38.61mm in diameter.  The Isle of Man, also known as Mann is a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea.

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KINGDOM OF KABUTO COIN FEATURES BISON

The Kingdom of Kabuto is a micronation that was proclaimed in 2016.  It claims previously unclaimed waters in the Dixon Strait between Alaska and British Columbia and enclaves within Poland and Croatia.  This unofficial 2023 7 Buto coin of Kabuto depicts a European Bison and calf on one side and the national emblem on the other.  The inscriptions are in Polish, which along with English is one of the official languages of the Kingdom. The eight-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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ANTS ON KABYLIA COIN

Kabylia is a region of northern Algeria, including parts of the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean coast.  It is inhabited by fiercely independent Berbers.   The region was the last stronghold against the French colonization of Algeria.  The French gradually took control of the region after 1830 despite numerous revolts.  Revolts continued after Algeria's independence in 1962 as the region sought further autonomy.  More recently Kabylia leaders have called for complete independence.  The unofficial 2023 Kabylia 25 Dinars has the Kabylia arms on the obverse with the name of the country in Arabic, Tifinagh and Kabyle.  The reverse depicts 3 ants on leaves.  The six-sided, silver plated, Proof coin has a mintage of just 125 pieces.

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REINDEER ON COIN OF THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA

The Republic of Karelia is an autonomous republic that remained part of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  It was originally formed in 1923 as part of the Soviet Union.  Between 1939 and 1944 Finland and the Soviet Union fought over Karelia which resulted in Finland losing large portions of its Finnish Karelia to the Soviet Union.  This unofficial 2021 dated 50 Rubles of the Republic of Karelia features two reindeer on one side and the arms of Karelia on the other.  The six-sided 39mm silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of 170 pieces and is Proof.

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GRASSHOPPER ON COIN OF LAJTABANSAG

Lajtabansag existed as an independent state between October 4 and November 10, 1921.  After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in World War I the Treaty of Trinon assigned the territory to Austria, which many inhabitants did not want.  Leaders in the territory declared independence and formed an army of former soldiers, students and peasants that managed to hold off the Austrian army.  Lajtabansag extracted “customs duties” from trains passing through the region by confiscating goods.  The result was not acceptable to either Austria or Hungary.  After high level negotiations, a plebiscite was held, which resulted in the city of Sopron becoming part of Hungary while other territory of Burgenland going to Austria.   The obverse of this unofficial 2023 Lajtabansag 10,000 Korona includes the national emblem.  The reverse depicts a grasshopper.  The five-sided 37mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 140 pieces.

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GUANACO ON LA ROIJA COIN

A mother and young Guanaco are featured on this unofficial 2 Bocades coin of La Roija.  The Guanaco is closely related to the llama but are smaller and slenderer.  The obverse of the coin features a Puma and the arms of La Rioja.  La Rioja is located in Andes foothills in western Argentina.  It has tended to be a politically restive region. It gained independence from Spain in 1820 but did not join the Argentine Confederation until 1850. The 37mm, silver-plated, five-sided coin is Proof and has a mintage of just 120 pieces.

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ANT COIN FROM LATVIA

Latvia has put some unusual critters on their circulating 1 Lats coins.  The 2003 issue featured an ant. It has a mintage of 250,000. It  features the Latvian coat of arms and date on the obverse.  The copper-nickel coin is 21.75mm in diameter. The coins were withdrawn from circulation and melted after Latvia joined the Euro in 2014.

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ELEPHANT ON OLD LIBERIAN COINS

A striding elephant is featured on these old Liberian coins. The reverses feature the arms of Liberia which includes an African oil palm, sailing ship and the rising sun.  The 1937 1/2 and 1 Cent were struck in a nickel-brass alloy at the Royal Mint of Belgium in Brussels and have a mintage of 1 Million pieces each.  The 1941 1/2 Cent and 2 Cent were struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia and has a mintage of only 250,000 pieces.  The 1 Cent is well circulated.  The 1/2 Cent and 2 Cent coins are Uncirculated.   Because of their low buying power most of the 1/2 cents never entered circulation but remained in bank vaults, thus are remarkably inexpensive for such an attractive, old coin.

QUANTITY DEALS!

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CASTLES AND BEETLES OF LIECHTENSTEIN

Two unofficial 2021 Liechtenstein coins featuring historic castles of the House of Liechtenstein and native species of beetles (or perhaps the castles are infested with beetles) have been released.  The House of Lichtenstein was a wealthy Austrian family with extensive holdings in central Europe.  In the late 17th and early 18th century the family purchased what is now the Principality of Liechtenstein in order to gain the prestige and power having a seat in the Imperial Diet (Reichstag) and being a member state of the Holy Roman Empire.  Until World War II the ruling family rarely visited Liechtenstein, instead lived in their castles in what is now the Czech Republic.  In 1939 Nazi Germany seized their castles and land and the family fled to Liechtenstein.  Their property was nationalized by the communists following World War II.  Today the castles are museums and are UNESCO world heritage sites.  Valtice Castle was founded in the 12th century and extensively updated in the 17th and 18th centuries.  Lednice Castle is one of the most beautiful examples of English-Neo Gothic architecture in the world.  100 Franc coins were made featuring each castle.  A Rhinoceros beetle is on the coin depicting the Valtice castle.  A Stag beetle is on the coin depicting the Lednice castle.  The obverse of each coin depicts the castle's coat of arms. The eight-sided silver-plated Proof coins have a mintage of only 160 pieces each.

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CROCODILE AND SCREAMING EAGLE ON LIKOMA COIN

Likoma is an island in Lake Malawi a short distance from Mozambique and surrounded by Mozambican territorial waters.  In 1880 the Universities' Mission to Central Africa established their headquarters on the island at the request of David Livingstone.  In the early 20th century, they built St. Peter's Cathedral on the island which is modeled after Westminster Abbey and measures 100 by 30 meters (328 x 98 feet).  At the end of World War II, the island was awarded to British East Africa rather than Portuguese Mozambique due to the presence of the British missionaries.  It is now an exclave of Malawi.  The obverse of the six-sided silver-plated coin feature a screaming eagle and the arms of Malawi.  A crocodile is on the reverse.  This unofficial 2024 Likoma 2000 Kwacha has a mintage of just 125 pieces.

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SCARCE MALAYSIA WILDLIFE COINS

In 2003 Malaysia released a series of 12 coins depicting endangered species. The 30mm brass coins are denominated 25 Sen and come in colorful and descriptive "Coin in Education" folder that is in both English and Malay.  They have a limited mintage of  only 100,000 each and were only available in the folders. The coins were not widely distributed out side of Malaysia, making them difficult for most collectors to obtain

In 2003 Malaysia released a series of 12 coins depicting endangered species. The 30mm brass coins are denominated 25 Sen and come in colorful and descriptive "Coin in Education" folder that is in both English and Malay.  They have a limited mintage of  only 100,000 each and were only available in the folders. The coins were not widely distributed out side of Malaysia, making them difficult for most collectors to obtain.


We also have selected 25 Sen coins from the 2006 Series which features Marine life.  They have a mintage of only 40,000 each.

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HERDSMAN ON HORSEBACK ON 1945 MONGOLIA 20 MONGO

This 1945 copper-nickel 20 Mongo coin of the Mongolian People's Republic features the denomination on one side and the national emblem on the other.  The emblem reflects the traditional nomadic pastoral economy of Mongolia. It features a herdsman on horseback with the heads of a cow, sheep, goat, and a camel.  Ironically, by 1945 Mongolia was no longer nomadic, pastoral nation.   Under Soviet inspired policies, herdsman were forced onto collective farms and communes.  Those who opposed had their livestock slaughtered and were frequently executed.    The coin is dated the 35th Year of independence which corresponds to 1945-1946. The Mongolia calendar dates from the overthrow of the Manchu Dynasty of China which had ruled Mongolia.

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NAGALAND COIN

Nagaland is a small state in north-eastern Indian bordering Myanmar.  Baptist missionaries arrived in the region in the 19th century.   Today 88% of the population is Christian and is the only predominantly Baptist state in the world.  During World War II Japanese troops attempted to invade India through the region.  Japanese, British and Indian troops all suffered heavy losses.  After India's independence in 1947 the territory was incorporated into the state of Assam.  In 1951, a referendum was held, in which 99.9% of voters voted for the creation of an independent Nagaland, but this was not recognized by India. Violence increased across the region. In response in 1963 Nagaland was made a state within India.  This still did not satisfy many who felt persecuted or ignored by India's predominately Hindu government.  Violence and a pro-independence movement continue today in Nagaland.  This unofficial 2025 Nagaland 200 Rupee coin depicts the Nagaland emblem featuring a guar on the obverse. An Amur falcon is on the reverse.  The 39mm, scallop edged, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 110 pieces.

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RARE KAGU BIRD ON FIRST COIN OF NEW CALEDONIA

In 1949 the French colony of New Caledonia issued its first coins.  France took possession of the Pacific islands in 1853, after the natives ate a group of French missionaries and members of a French survey team.  The following year France established a penal colony there.  The first coins for New Caledonia were not until almost 100 years late, in 1949.  One of the first coins issued was this aluminum 50 Centimes. The coin features a seated figure of Maranne, the national symbol of France on the reverse, and a Kagu bird on the obverse.  The Kagu is a rare, nearly flightless bird that is only found in New Caledonia.  

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NIGHTINGALE ISLAND CROWN FEATURES FUR SEAL

Nightingale Island is an active volcanic island that is part of the Tristan da Cunha group.  Though it has no permanent inhabitants, Tristan da Cunha issued this 2011 dated 1 Crown coin for Nightingale Island.   The coin features a Subarctic fur seal, the denomination and the name of the island on the reverse.  Queen Elizabeth and "Tristan da Cunha" is on the obverse.  The 39mm coin is struck in copper-nickel and is Brilliant  Uncirculated.

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ATTRACTIVE NIUE DOLLARS DEPICTS SWORD FISH

Niue is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean about 1500 miles (2,400 km) northeast of New Zealand.  It has an area of about 100 square miles (261 sq.km.) and a population of less than 2000.  The British monarch is the head of state.  New Zealand handles its defense and foreign affairs.  Captain James Cook named the island Savage Island in 1774, because of the hostility of the natives.  British missionaries began to arrive in the 1830’s and eventually the islanders were converted to Christianity. The 2009 Niue issued 1 Dollar coin features Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and a swordfish on the reverse.  The 32mm coin is struck in aluminum-bronze. 

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RABBIT ON COIN OF NORTHERN EPIRUS

Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus was proclaimed on February 28, 1914 by Greeks who did not want to be incorporated into the recently created Principality of Albania, whose boundaries were drawn by the Great European Powers.  After the outbreak of World War I in July 1914 Greek forces occupied the area and tried to incorporate it into Greece, until they were driven out by French and Italian forces in 1916.  With the support of Italy, in 1921 the area was formally ceded to Albania though calls for independence or union with Greece have continued since then.  This unofficial 10 Drachmas coin of Northern Epirus features the Northern Epirus national emblem on the obverse and a rabbit on the reverse.  The six-sided 39mm silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of just 125 pieces.

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20th ANNIVERSARY PAPUA-NEW GUINEA MINT SET FEATURES WILDLIFE

The Bank of Papua New Guinea released this official 6 coin packaged mint set to celebrate the countries 20th anniversary of independence in 1995.  The 1995 dated coins feature native wildlife.  The 1 Kina features Sea and River Crocodiles swimming around the center hole of the coin.  A Cassowary, a large flightless bird, is on the 20 Toea.  The 10 toea shows a cuscus, a large marsupial "monkey".  A Plateless Turtle is on the 5 Toea.  The 2 Toea shows the ornate butterfly cod fish and a Butterfly is on the 1 Toea. The reverse of each of the coins features an out stretched Bird of Paradise, which is the natinal emblem of the country. The Brilliant Uncirculated coins were struck Royal Canadian Mint and come in a descriptive folder.

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA CROCODILE KINA

The Papau New Guina 1 Kina features a Salt Water Crocodile and a River Crocodile chasing each other around the center hole of the coin.  The obverse features the national crest of Papau New Guinea.  The 38.6mm nickel plated steel coin is dated 2004 and is Brilliant Uncirculated.

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POPULAR POLAND WILDLIFE COINS

Poland regularly issues  a 27mm “Nordic gold” (brass alloy) 2 Zlote honoring native endangered wildlife.  The attractive coins are always popular with collectors.The 2014 issue features the Konik Horse. The Konik Horse is a small, hardy, semi-feral horse that originated in Poland.  The European Bison (Zubr)  is on the 2013 issue. The European Bison was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th Century.  Since then it has been reintroduced from captivity.  In the past, especially during the Middle Ages, it was commonly killed for its hide, and to produce drinking horns.  No wildlife coins were issued for 2012.  The 2011 issues featurew the European Badger.  The 2010 issues feature the Lesser Horse-shoe Bat.  It is one of the world’s smallest bats, weighing only 5 to 9 grams (less than a third of an ounce) and is less than a 44mm long (under 2 inches).  The 2008 issue honors the Peregrine Falcon.

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RHINOS FROM REHOBOTH

Rhinoceros are featured on both the obverse and reverse of this odd-shaped coin of the Free Republic of Rehoboth.  The Free Republic of Rehoboth was first founded in 1868 by a group of Basters who left British-ruled Cape Colony.  The Basters are of mixed African, European and Asian ancestry.  Their territory was incorporated into South-West Africa, which later became Namibia.  On March 20, 1990 they again declared independence.  A day later Namibia became independent from South Africa and soon confiscated all their territory.  The unofficial 2023 coin is denominated 250 Rehoboth Dollars.  The silver-plated coin is 42mm, has a mintage of only 125 pieces and is Proof.

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DANCING ELEPHANTS FROM RHODESIA & NYASALAND

Great Britain issued a joint coinage for their African colonies of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which are now the independent countries of Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.   The 1957 Rhodesia and Nysaland bronze bronze 1962 penny features a pair of elephants that appear to be dancing!  Both coins are made with a center hole.   The reverses have the name of the colonies, denomination and date.

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ROTUMA COIN FEATURES NATIVE BIRD

Rotuma is and island and nearby islets located some 400 miles (645km) north of Fiji. It is controlled by Fiji.  It has approximately 1600 inhabitants which have a distinct language and culture from other parts of Fiji.  In 1987, after the a coup in Fiji A part-Rotuman man named Henry Gibson announced the independence of Rotuma from Fiji with the creation of the Republic of Rotuma.  He then proclaimed himself King of Rotuma (I am not sure how one can be the king of a republic).  The independence movement seems to have died out soon thereafter.  In 2020 an unofficial coin was struck for Rotuma.  The 39mm scalloped 50 Pa'atuna coin depicts a Rotuma myzomela bird (Myzomela chermesina).  The bird is endemic to Rotuma.  The other side depicts the arms of Rotuma. The Proof coin has a mintage of just 160 pieces.

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LION ON SCARCE, SHORT-LIVED COIN OF RWANDA-BURUNDI  

After Belgian Congo gained its independence in 1960, Belgium issued a coin for what was left of its African territories: Rwanda and Burundi.   Only a single coin type was issued for the joint territory of Rwanda-Burundi: a brass 1 Franc.  This brass 1961 brass 1 Franc coin features a walking lion on one side.  The other has the names of the territories and the denomination.    In 1962 Rwanda and Burundi were both granted independence

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ODD SHAPED SAINT-CASTIN COIN FEATURES FLYING SQUIRRELS

Saint-Castin is a self-declared micronation that claims several enclaves within the Province of Quebec.  It is named after Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin, a 17th century French-Canadian military office and an Abenaki chief.  It was founded as a monarchy on June 24, 2014. Since then, it had a republican coup, been annexed by, then seceded from the Federal Republic of St. Charlie, re-established as a republic and in 2020 restored the monarchy.  This odd-shaped 2022 100 Piastres of Saint-Castin depicts the coat of arms on the obverse and two Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) on the reverse.  The 42mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 120 pieces.

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SAVAGE ISLANDS COIN FEATURES BIRDS

The Savage Islands, also known as the Selvagens or Salvage Islands is an uninhabited archipelago belonging to Portugal midway between Madeira and the Canary Islands.  Since 1971 it has been a nature reserve.  This unofficial 8-sided 2022 Savage Islands 200 Escudos depicts two Pink Terns and a Madeira Lizard on one side and the coat of arms on the other.  The 40mm Proof silver-plated brass coins have a mintage of just 145 pieces.

Item SAVAGE SAVAGE ISLANDS 200 ESCUDOS 2022 PROOF $19.95

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WOLF WOMAN ON ILE DE SEIN COIN

Ile de Sein is a flat, treeless, island 5 miles (8km.) off the coast of France.  It is part of a dangerous line zone of reefs south of the English Channel stretching some 30 miles (48km.) west from Pointe du Raz.  The island women used to wear a black headdress, and in the past, they had a reputation for enticing sailors onto the rocks by witchcraft.  A Breton legend states that the island was inhabited by virgin druid priestesses that could predict the future, calm the winds and take the form of animals.  After the World War II German invasion of France nearly every adult male fled the island in their fishing boats to join the Free French Forces in England.  This unofficial 2024 500 Libres of Ile de Sein depicts a woman and a wolf on one side and a Gallic rooster on the other.  The six-sided 39mm silver plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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AFRICAN WILDLIFE COINS FROM SIERRA LEONE 

These beautiful coins from Sierra Leone feature African wildlife on one side and depict the country’s coat of arms on the other.  The 38.6mm copper-nickel coins are denominated 1 Dollar.

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THE WORLD’S FIRST INTERACTIVE APP GAME COIN FEATURES ANGRY BIRDS

Angry Birds is a popular, fun and addictive video game that can be played on a wide variety of platforms.  The game was first introduced in 2009.  The original game and its revisions have over five billion downloads across all platforms. Full length animated films based on the game were released in 2016 and 2019.   In 2018 Sierra Leone released a multi-color “Angry Birds” coin.  According to Pobjoy Mint it is “the world’s first interactive app game coin”. The design features Red and a special Zapper code that allows you to enter the world of Angry Birds on your mobile phone. The App allows you to interact with the characters and permits you to take selfies with the enchanting characters.  The 38.6mm copper nickel coin is denominated 1 Dollar, has a mintage of only 10,000 pieces and comes in a special pack.  The Sierra Leone coat of arms is on the reverse.

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BIG 5 AFRICAN WILDLIFE COINS FROM SIERRA LEONE 

Sierra Leone released a series of five copper-nickel 1 Dollar coins depicting the Big Five African game animals in 2019.  The term Big Five refers to the Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Cape Buffalo. The term was originally used by big game hunters referring to the five African animals that were most difficult to hunt on foot.  Now it is widely used by safari tour operators.  This set of five 2019 1 Dollar coins features the head of each of the animals styled as though it is an African mask.  The African pattern is carried over to the incused rim. The obverses of the coins depict arms of Sierra Leone and the date.  The coins are 38.6mm in diameter.  Each coin has a maximum mintage of only 10,000 pieces.

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NATIVE WILDLIFE ON OBSOLETE COINS OF SLOVENIA

With the introduction of the Euro, Slovenia's attractive wildlife coins are now obsolete and have been withdrawn from circulation. All six of the Tolar denominated coins feature native wildlife. The 10 Stotinov pictures an Olm salamander, an unusual blind aquatic salamander found in the caves of Slovenia. A barn owl is on the 20 Stotinov. A bee is on the 50 Stotinov. The 1 Tolar features salmon, the 2 Tolar shows a swallow in flight, an ibex is on the 5 Tolar, a horse is on the 10 Tolar and a stork is on the 20 Tolar.  The lower three denominations are aluminum, the top three are brass.  It is an attractive animal coin set. The coins date from 1992 to 2006.  The coins were withdrawn from circulation in 2007 when Slovenia switched to the Euro. 

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ATTRACTIVE SOMALIA COIN SET

This attractive set includes fourcoins from the war-torn African nation of Somalia.  Included are the the 2000 dated 10 Shilling that features a camel, the 2001 brass 25 Shillings depicting a soccer player,    the copper-nickel 2002 50 Shilling pictures a mandrill and the brass 2002 100 Shilling pictures the Queen of Sheba,  who according to legend, ruled the region in ancient times.   The arms of Somalia supported by two leopards is on the obverse.

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SOMALILAND COIN SET   

After the collapse of the government of Somalia in the 1990's, the northern portion of the country, once known as British Somaliland, declared independence. Despite the lack of international recognition, it has one of the better functioning governments in Africa.   This set contains five coins of Somaliland.  The 1994 aluminum 1 Shilling depicting a Somali Pigeon was the first ever coin issued by Somaliland.   Sir Richard R. Burton, the 19th century explorer and writer who explored the area, is portrayed on the 2002 alumium 5 Shilling coin.  A mother and baby Elephant is the 2005 aluminum 5 Shilling.   A monkey is on the brass 2002 dated 10 Shilling coin.  A greyhound dog is on the 2002 stainless steel 20 Shilling coin.  The denomination is on the reverse of each coin.  It is an interesting and attractive set from a successful but unrecognized break-away republic.

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MACARONI PENGUINS ON TITANIUM AND COPPER-NICKEL COINS OF SO. GEORGIA & SO. SANDWICH IS.

Macaroni Penguins are so named as the spectacular orange tufted plumes on its head. In 18th century England, a Macaroni was an individual who dressed with flamboyant or excessive ornamentation (as in the song Yankee Doodle). In the summer they breed in colonies that number many thousands of birds.  They then disburse and have been known swim 10,000 km (6,200 miles) before returning to land.  The British territory of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands depicts four Macaroni Penguins on their 2019 Two-pound coins.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The coins are struck in both pale blue titanium and copper-nickel with the same design.  The titanium version is 36.1mm, weighs only 10 grams, has a mintage of 7,500 and come in a box with a Certificate of Authenticity.   The copper-nickel version is 38.6mm and has a mintage of 10,000 pieces. Both coins are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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REPUBLIC OF SOUTH MOLUCCAS DEPICTS CASSOWARY

The Republic of South Moluccas , (Indonian: Republik Maluku Selatan) is a government in exile that claims the islands of Ambon, Buru, and Seram in the Indonesian province of Maluku.  Indonesia gained independence from Indonesia in December 1949.  In April 1950 the heavily Christian South Maluku declared independence from mostly Muslim Indonesia.  The revolt was largely put down by the Indonesian army by November 1950, though fighting continued until 1963.  Thousands of Moluccans and the South Moluccan government went into exile in The Netherlands.   The unofficial Republic of South Moluccas 2023 5000 Rupiah coin depicts the head of a Cassowary bird, the national emblem and a cross on the obverse.  The reverse features a standing Cassowary.  The is a large, flightless bird that inhabits the islands.  It can grow to 6 feet (2m) tall and weigh over 150 pounds (70kg).  The 23mm, silver plated brass coin has a scalloped edge and a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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WILDLIFE COINS OF SOUTH OSSETIA

The nation of Georgia declared its independence in 1991 upon the collapse of the Soviet Union.  Shortly after that  South Ossetia declared their independence from Georgia, with the help of Russia.  Georgia and Russia went to war over the region in 2008.  Georgia was swiftly defeated and the region now has de-facto independence, though it is not widely recognized outside of Russia.   The tiny region is heavily dependent upon neighboring Russia and uses Russian currency.  This unofficial 2013 eight-coin set for South Ossetia includes a bimetallic 10, 5 and 2 Rubles, nickel-plated steel 1 Ruble, 50 and 10 Kopecks and copper-plated steel 5 and 1 Kopeck.  The obverse features the regions arms and the date. The reverse of each coin depicts a different native animal. 

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REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA FEATURES EAGLE AND LYNX

The Republic of Srpska was declared in 1992 during the Bosnian War that followed the break-up of Yugoslavia.  It was incorporated into Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995 as part of the Dayton Accords. Since then, many in largely Serbian Christian Srpska have been agitating for regaining independence from the rest of Bosnia-Herzegovina that is largely made up of Muslim Bosniaks. On December 11, 2021, the Sprska National Assembly voted to secede from the Bosnian armed forces, judiciary and the tax system. This unofficial 2024 Republic of Srpska 25 Dinar features an eagle and the coat of arms on the obverse and a lynx on the reverse.  The six-sided, 39mm, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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TANZANIA COIN SET FEATURES WILDLIFE  

This Tanzanian coin set includes the four denominations currently in circulation.  All four coins feature native wildlife on the reverse and a politician on the obverse. The reverse of the 500 Shillings features an African Buffalo along with a shifting image that changes from the numeral "500" to "BOT" as the coin is moved.    A pair of lions is on the reverse of the 200 Shillings.  Both coins depict Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, the first President of Zanzibar on the obverse, and are dated 2014.   Four running impalas are on the reverse of the 100 Shillings.  The obverse features Julius Nyerere, who led Tanganyika to independence, and became the first President of Tanzania after it was unified with Zanzibar.   The seven-sided 50 Shilingi features a rhinoceros and her calf.  An oxpecker bird sits atop the rhino.  Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the second President of Tanzania is on the obverse.  The 100 and 50 Shillings are dated 2015.

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MOTHER AND CHILD HIPPOS ON COIN OF WESTERN TOGOLAND

Western Togoland is a self-declared, unrecognized nation in west Africa that consists of what was formerly British Togoland.  After World War I, France and Great Britain divided the German colony of Togoland between them.  In 1956 British Togoland voted to join the British Colony of Gold Coast to form the nation of Ghana.  In 2017 and again in 2020 Western Togoland declared independence from Ghana.  Many have been killed or injured in the clashes between Togoland supporters and Ghana's troops.  This unofficial 2024 Western Togoland 5000 Francs coin depicts a mother hippopotamus and her child on one side and the arms of Western Togoland on the other.  The 40mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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TORY ISLAND COIN FEATURES RAVEN

Tory Island (Oilean Thoraigh in Irish) is a remote island off the northern coast of Ireland inhabited by less than 150 people.  It is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long and 1 kilometer (.6 miles) wide.  The northern coast is heavily indented by bays and bays, the coasts are rather steep and steep.  Tory is mentioned in a number of Irish legends. Today it is noted for its rugged beauty and an artist colony.  This unofficial 2023 six-sided 10 Pound coin of Tory Island features a Celtic Cross and an Irish Harp on the obverse.  The reverse depicts a raven on the handle of a sword. Morrigan, the goddess of war in Irish mythology would often take the form of a raven.  Morrigan would not take part in the battles, but she would be present on the battlefield and used all her power to help one side or another.  The 39mm silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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MODERN TRANSYLVANIA COIN FEATURES WOLF

Transylvania is an historical region in central Romania.  It is famous for its historical towns, castles and the Count Dracula legend.  Hungary and the Ottoman Empire fought for control over the region for centuries.  This unofficial 2025 500 Lei coin of Transylvania features the Transylvanian coat of arms and the date on the obverse. The reverse pictures a howling wolf in front of the Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi Castle).  The square 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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KILLER WHALE ON TRISTAN DA CUNHA COIN

Tristan da Cunha is a small, cloudy, wet and windy island in the mid-Atlantic with a population of about 250. Though its first permanent settlers were from the United States, it has been a British possession since 1816. It has no airstrip so is accessible only by a six-day boat trip from South Africa. During World War II it was commissioned by the Royal Navy as a "Stone Frigate". Its main industries are fishing and the sale of stamps and coins to collectors.  A Killer Whale, also known as an Orca, is on the reverse of the 2008 aluminum-bronze 20 Pence of Tristan da Cunha.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.

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JAGUARS ON REPUBLIC OF TULE COIN

The Republic of Tule was declared by Guna people living along the eastern coast of southern Panama and northern Columbia.  The region was formerly called San Blas and is now called Guna Yala.  The obverse of this unofficial 2024 Republic of Tule 10 Balboa depicts the head of a Jaguar.  The reverse features a Jaguar in the forest.  The eight-sided 40mmm silver plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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FIRST COIN OF TURKS & CAICOS

Turks and Caicos Islands is a British overseas territory in the West Indies. It has a population of only about 35,000.   It was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1512 and settled by royalist sympathizers from the United States after the American Revolution. In 1969 the colony struck its first coin, a 38.5mm copper-nickel 1 Crown.  The young head of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse . The reverse features the islands coat of arms,  The arms include a conch shell, lobster and cactus, supported by a pair of flamingos with a pelican as its crest.  The coin has a mintage of only 50,000 pieces.  

Item TC-1CR TURKS & CAICOS 1 CROWN 1969 KM1 UNC. $7.50

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TURTLE FROM TUVALU

A Green Turtle swimming in the ocean is featured on this 1985 one dollar coin from the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. The nine-sided, 33mm copper-nickel coin has the Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.  The coin was struck by the British Royal Mint. The name Green Turtle does not refer to the color of the turtle, but refers to the greenish color of its fat found beneath its shell, which comes from eating green sea grass. The turtles weigh 250 to 400 pounds (115 to 180kg), are 3 to 4 feet long (1-1.2m) and can live as long as 90 years.  They have been found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Item TV-1D TUVALU 1 DOLLAR 1985 TURTLE KM7 UNC. $12.00

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UKRAINE WILDLIFE COINS

Endangered native wildlife are featured on these attractive 2 Hryvni coins of Ukraine.  The 31mm coins are struck in a nickel alloy.  The obverses of the coins feature a wreath of flora and fauna, the national emblem, denomination and date.

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SHEEP SHEERING TOKEN FROM URUGUAY

A sheep is depicted on this 23mm copper token from the Larraundarra hacienda.  Larraundarra was located near the tiny hamlet of Cuaro (population 110) in the sparsely populated Artigas Department in northern Uruguay.  The obverse of the token has the name and location of the hacienda and the value 1, representing 1 fleece. A token would be given to workers for each sheep shorn.  The token probably dates from the late 19th to early 20th century. 

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URUGUAY COIN SET FEATURES ANIMALS AND BIMETALLIC    

Native wildlife is featured on this set of the current coins of Uruguay.   The 2015 bi-metallic 10 Pesos features a Puma.  The design was first used on Uruguay’s 10 Centavo of 1930 and then later on the 1942 1 Peso.  The 2014 5 Pesos pictures a Rhea (Nandu), which is a  large flightless bird, related to the ostrich.  A capybara (carpincho), which is the largest rodent in the world, is on the 2014 2 Pesos.  The  2012 1 Peso depicts an armadillo.  The national arms is on the reverse of each coin.  

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CHOCOLATE FROG ON REPUBLIC OF WEST PAPUA COIN

The Republic of West Papua is an unrecognized state consisting of the Indonesian part of the island of New Guinea.  The Dutch retained possession of the west New Guinea after the independence of Indonesia in 1949, with the expectation that it would eventually become an independent nation.  Instead, Indonesia took over the territory in 1963 against the will of much of the indigenous population.  The Republic of West Papua is  the provisional government that is fighting for the independence of West Papua..  This unofficial 2023 40 Basan coin of the Republic of West New Guinea depicts the West Papua coat of arms on the obverse. The reverse depicts a native Chocolate Frog, (Litoria mira) which was discovered in 2016. The six-sided, 39mm, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 135 pieces.

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LOBSTER ON COIN OF SHORT-LIVED PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF YEMEN 

The People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, also known as South Yemen or Democratic Yemen, gained independence from Great Britain after the withdrawal of the British and the collapse of the Federation of South Arabia in 1967. Over the years its relations with the Yemen Arab Republic, or North Yemen fluctuated between war and peace.  The two nations fought a war in 1972, but were peacefully united in 1990 after Democratic Yemen lost support from communist nations due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Peace was not lasting however, a civil war between factions from the north and south broke out again in 1994.  Peace was temporarily achieved with an election in 1999, however the country continued to suffer from instability as various tribal factions. Since 2012 Yemen has been engaged in another ongoing civil war, with factions in the South supported by Saudi Arabia and factions in the north supported by Iran.  This 23mm aluminum 5 Fils coin of Democratic Yemen features a spiny Lobster.  The coins is dated in Arabic numerals 1984AD and AH1404.

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ZAMBIA 1992 WILDLIFE SET 

This attractive four coin set from Zambia features four species of their native wildlife. An Oryx is on the 21mm brass 5 Kwacha, a pair of eagles is on the 19.2mm brass 1 Kwacha, a rare Kafue Lechwe is on the 22.5mm nickel-plated steel 50 Ngwee and a crowned hornbill bird is on the20mm nickel-plated steel 25 Ngwee.  The arms of Zambia is on the obverse of each coin. All four coins are dated 1992, the only year these coins were issued. All four coins are Uncirculated. They make an excellent addition to any collector's "zoo".

Item S-ZM-SET4  ZAMBIA  4 COIN WILDLIFE SET, 25 NGWEE - 5 KWACHA 1992 UNC. $5.00

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ALSO SEE THE FOLLOWING ANIMAL COINS:

BENIN 1500 FRANCS 2003 BUFFALO & BIRD

MALI 1500 FRANCS 2003 GAZELLE

2012 MICRONESIA COIN SET HONORS INCLUDES BI-METALLICS & WILDLIFE

TOGO 2003 BIMETALLIC COIN FEATURES ELEPHANTS

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