THE COIN ZOO

COINS WITH ANIMALS

ANIMALS ON COINS AKROTIRI & DHEKELIA

Akrotiri and Dhekelia are sovereign British Overseas Territories on the island of Cyprus under the control of the British military. The two areas comprise of about 98 square miles (254 km2) and have a population of about 7,700 Cypriots in addition to some 8,000 British military personnel and their families.  Dhekelia is located on the border between Turkish Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus and is used primarily as a communications base.   Akrotiri is located on the southwestern portion of Cyprus and contains a major Royal Air Force base.   We offer two unofficial silver-plated Proof coins from this tiny British territory. The odd-shaped 2019 5 Pound coin depicts Queen Elizabeth and the two lions from the territory's unofficial flag on the obverse.  The reverse features a Mediterranean Chameleon.  It has a mintage of only 160 pieces.  The round 2014 dated 2 Pound coin depicts a multi-color image of an Eleonora's falcon on the reverse.  The obverse depicts the British arms and the royal cipher, both in color, along with an outline of the head of Queen Elizabeth.  It has a mintage of just 200.. Both coins are rare.

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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 commemorates 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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RARE SHRIMP ON COPPER-NICKEL & PINK TITANIUM ASCENSION COINS

Ascension Island depicted Procaris ascensionis, a rare species of shrimp, on their 2018 copper-nickel and pink titanium 1 Crown coins.  The shrimp are endemic only to two rock pools on Ascension, the largest is only about 15 feet (4.5m) wide and 18 inches (45cm) deep.  Both versions of the coin have the same design featuring a pool of the shrimp on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth on the obverse. The pink titanium version is 36.1mm in diameter, comes in a box with a Certificate of Authenticity and has a mintage of 7500 pieces.  The copper-nickel (CN) version is 38.6mm and has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.

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TRIGGERFISH ON TITANIUM AND COPPER NICKEL COINS OF ASCENSION ISLAND

A Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula) is featured on purple titanium and copper-nickel 2019 1 Crown coins of Ascension Island. The large oval-shaped reef dwelling fish is so named due to its unique spines on its anterior dorsal fins which are used to lock the fish into a crevice during the night.  The first spine locks and the second spine unlocks, like a trigger.  This prevents predators from pulling them free or swallowing the fish.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The titanium version is 36.1mm, weighs only 10 grams, has a mintage of 7,500 and comes 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 have the same design and are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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AUSTRALIA 2020 SILVER KOALA

The Perth Mint of Australia issued this beautiful 2020 1 troy ounce .9999 fine silver 1 Dollar coin depicting a cute koala clinging to a tree branch.  Below is the date, weight and purity. To the right of the koala is the P mintmark.   The Jody Clark portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The coin has a reverse frosted finish.  The 40.6mm coin comes in a protective capsule and has a mintage of 300,000. 

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AUSTRALIA 2020 YEAR OF THE MOUSE SILVER DOLLAR

The Perth Mint of Australia recently released the 2020 Chinese New Year silver dollar for the Year of the Mouse. The 40.6mm 1 troy ounce .9999 fine silver 1 Dollar coin depicts two cute little mice nibbling on ears of corn.  Two the right is the Chinese character for mouse and the inscription "MOUSE 2020". The Jody Clark portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. Both sides are struck with a "reverse proof" finish.  The coin has a mintage of 300,000 pieces and comes in its original mint capsule. Australia's annual Chinese New Year coins have long been popular with collectors in Asia and worldwide.

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AUSTRALIA 2016 YEAR OF THE MONKEY SILVER COINS

The Perth Mint of Australia celebrated the Year of the Monkey with these two attractive 2016 dated silver coins.  Both coins feature the same design.   The reverses depict an adult monkey and a baby monkey sitting in a peach tree. The baby is holding a peach, which is symbolic of longevity and immortality. The Chinese character for ‘monkey’ and the inscription ‘Year of the Monkey’ also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.  The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.   The 1 troy ounce 1 Dollar coin is 45mm in diameter.  The ½ troy ounce 50 cent coin is 36mm in diameter.  Both are struck in .999 fine silver and come in a capsule.

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AUSTRALIA 2014 CROCODILE DOLLAR

The Australian Saltwater Crocodile is featured on the reverse of this 2014 Australian silver dollar coin.  The Australian Saltwater Crocodile is one of the largest reptiles in the world.  Males can reach over 20 feet (6.3m) in length and weigh over 3000 Pounds (1360 kg). It is capable of taking almost any animal that enters its territory, including humans. Despite its name, it can be found in fresh, brackish or ocean water. The obverse features the Ian-Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.  The 40.6mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver.  The coin features a beautiful reverse frosted matte finish.  The Queen and the Crocodile brilliant finish while the background areas have a frosted finish.  The coin was struck at the Perth Mint in Australia and has a mintage of 1 million pieces.  It was the first in an annual series featuring Australian wildlife.

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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.


Also see:
AUSTRALIA SET OF FIVE 2 DOLLAR 2016 OLYMPIC COINS IN FOLDER, BU
AUSTRALIA 2 DOLLARS 2016 PARALYMPIC GAMES, UNC.
AUSTRALIA PIONEER BAKERY 1 LOAF TOKEN,

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AUSTRIA 2018 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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HORNBILL BIRD ON DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF BAKASSI 500 FRANCS

Bakassi is a peninsula in the Gulf of Guinea on the border of Nigeria and Cameroon. For many years the two countries disputed ownership of the peninsula and nearly want to war at least twice. In 2002 the International Court of Justice determined it should belong to Cameroon rather than Nigeria and in 2006 Nigeria agreed to hand the territory to Cameroon.   Residents opposed being forced to join Cameroon formed the Democratic Republic of Bakassi and declared independence that same year.  This unofficial 2019 500 Francs of the Democratic Republic of Bakassi features the national emblem depicting a lion on one side and an African pied hornbill bird (Tockus fasciatus) on the other.  The female of the species lays eggs in a tree hole, which then blocked off except for a narrow aperture which is just big enough for the male to deliver food to the mother and the chicks.  The six-sided 38mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 160 pieces. 

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BRASS ELEPHANT COIN FROM THE BELGIAN CONGO 

This brass 1 Franc coin of the Belgian Congo (now the Congo Democratic Republic) features a striding elephant.  First issued in 1944, during World War II, it was also struck in 1946 and 1949.   It is 19.2mm in diameter.   The coin is always popular with coin collectors and elephant lovers.

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2017 SEALS FROM BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY

A Crabeater Seal is featured on a copper-nickel 2 Pounds and a blue titanium 2 Pounds 2017 coins of the British Antarctic Territory.  Both coins have the same design featuring a mother seal and her pup resting on the pack ice while the father leaves to hunt..   Despite its name does not feed on crabs. Its diet does include other crustaceans such as Krill which the seal, with their specially adapted sieve like teeth, are very proficient at hunting. The Crabeater Seal is by far the world’s most abundant seal and there are well over 7 million individuals.  They can reach speeds of 16 mph (26kph) on land over short distances. In the water they can swim at speeds of up to 7mph (12kmh)  and cover over 37 miles (60km) in a day. They congregate on the ice in groups of up to 1,000 individuals and in the water can be found swimming in unison in groups of several hundred.
The copper-nickel 2 Pound coins are 38.6mm in diameter and have a mintage of 10,000 each.  The titanium 2 Pounds is 36.1mm, has a mintage of 7,500 pieces and comes in a presentation box with a Certificate of Authenticity.  

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RED FOOTED BOOBY ON TITANIUM AND COPPER NICKEL COINS OF BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY

The Red Footed Booby is a large sea bird, which as the name suggests, has red feet.  They are powerful and agile flyers that can dive into the sea at high speed in order to catch small fish and squid.  Its take-off and landing skills however leave a lot to be desired.  A mother Booby and her chick are featured on these 2019 dated 2 Pound coins of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The coin was minted in both red titanium and copper-nickel with identical designs. The titanium version is 36.1mm, weighs only 10 grams, has a mintage of 7,500 and comes 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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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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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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FLAMINGO COIN FROM BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands released a 2015 dated copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin featuring flamingos. The attractive coin depicts a flamingo wading in shallow water, with some of its favorite snacks shown just below the surface.  A flock of flamingos is in the background and the bright sun overhead.  The 38.6mm copper-nickel coin depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.

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SHARKS ON 2016 TITANIUM COINS OF BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands released 2016 coins depicting two different sharks: the Lemon Shark and the Great White Shark. The Lemon Shark is a stocky and powerful animal often found in shallow subtropical waters.  The shark’s yellow coloring serves as a perfect camouflage when swimming over the sandy sea floor of its coastal habitat.  The Great White Shark is a species of large shark which can be found in the coastal waters of all the major oceans.  The lifespan of great white sharks is estimated to be as long as 70 years or more making it one of the longest lived fish currently known.  It has no natural predators other than the Orca.  The coin shows an underwater scene looking up at the Great White Shark.  Both designs were struck in colored titanium. The titanium coins are denominated as 5 Dollars, are 36.1mm in diameter, but weigh only 10 grams (about a third of an ounce).  They have a mintage of only 5000 pieces each and come in a capsule and presentation box with a Certificate of Authenticity.  The Lemon Shark coin is struck in yellow titanium.  The Great White Shark is struck in Turquoise Titanium. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. 

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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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SILVER EIGHT DOLLAR COIN FROM CANADA FEATURES POLAR BEAR

Canada issued this silver 8 dollar coin in 2013.  The unusual denomination coin contains 1.5 troy ounces of .9999 fine silver.  The thick, 38mm coin depicts a polar bear walking on an ice flow on one side and Queen Elizabeth on the other.  It is an attractive, odd denomination coin.

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GIANT COCONUT CRAB ON CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO COIN

The giant Coconut crab is featured on this unofficial six-sided 2019 dated 200 Rupees coin of Chagos.  The Coconut Crab is the largest land arthropod in the world.  It can grow up to 3 feet (1m) in length from leg to leg and weigh up to 9 pounds (4.1kg.).  Anything left unattended on the ground is a potential source of food for the crab, which they will investigate and may carry away, hence it is sometime called the "robber crab".  The obverse features the Chagos coat of arms which features a sea turtle on top of the Mauritius coat of arms. Ownership of Chagos is disputed between Great Britain and Mauritius.  Great Britain controls the islands and calls them the British Indian Ocean Territory.  In the early 1970’s they evicted the natives on the islands and built a military base on the island of Diego Garcia.  In 2010 Britain established the world’s largest marine reserve that encompassed the islands.  By creating the reserve, it outlawed fishing in the area and effectively prevented the natives from ever returning to the islands.  The Proof coin is struck on silver plated brass and has a mintage of just 160 pieces.

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ODD SHAPED COIN OF CHRISTMAS ISLAND FEATURES TROPICBIRD

This unofficial odd shaped 2019 $100 coin was issued for Christmas Island. Christmas Island is called Kiritimati in the native language of Kiribati which now controls the atoll.  It was given its name by Captain James Cook who visited the island on December 24, 1777.  It was first permanently inhabited in 1882 by workers in coconut plantations and fishermen.  From 1957 to 1962 Great Britain and the United States conducted numerous nuclear bomb tests on the island.  This odd-shaped 40mm silver-plated Proof coin depicts the arms of Kiribati on the obverse and a Tropicbird (Phaeton bird). The unusual coin has a mintage of just 160 pieces. 

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LEOPARD ON CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC COIN

A leopard, crouching on a tree limb and about to pounce, is featured on this 1976 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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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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ERITREA WILDLIFE COIN SET    

This 1997 six-coin set are the only coins issued for circulation by Eritrea since it gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1991. Featured on the front of the coins is native African wildlife.  The 100 Cents depicts an Elephant mother and her calf.  A Greater Kudo is on the 50 Cents.  The 25 cents has a Grevy's Zebra.  An Osterich is on the 10 cents. The 5 Cents pictures a leopard sitting on a tree branch.  The 1 Cent features a Red-Fronted Gazelle.  The reverses of the coins depicts soldiers carrying the Eritrean flag.  The coins are struck in nickel-plated steel and are Uncirculated.

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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 of the coins pictures Queen Elizabeth.  The coins date from 1998 to 2004.  It is an interesting set featuring a variety of animals.

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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,  Faoroe, Føroyar or Færøerne) 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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ANIMAL COINS OF THE GAGAUZ REPUBLIC  

The Gagauz are Turkish-speaking Orthodox Christians living in southern Moldova.  After the collapse of the Soviet Union the Gagauz Republic attempted to become independent from Moldova.  They were eventually granted a large degree of autonomy within Moldova, though there are still many Gagauz who strive for full independence. In 2018 a set of five Essai (Pattern) coins featuring native wildlife were struck of the purported Gagauz Republic.  The 1 Para features a frog, the 5 Para a tortoise, the 10 Para a squirrel, the 25 Para a fox and the 50 Para depicts a wolf.  The Gagauz arms and the word "ESSAI" appear on the obverse of all the coins. The 50 Para is brass, the other four coins are aluminum. The coins are Uncirculated, though tend to have minor nicks or scratches. 
Item GAGAUZ-SET5  GAGAUZ SET OF 5 ANIMAL COINS: 1-50 PARA 2018 UNC-minor nicks    $12.00

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ODD-SHAPED INACCESSIBLE ISLAND COIN FEATURES PENGUINS

A pair of King Penguins are featured on this odd-shaped 2019 dated 10 Pounds coin of Inaccessible Island.  The small, remote island is located about 25 miles (41km.) south-west of Tristan da Cunha.  The last permanent residents of the islands were a pair of brothers who arrived in 1871 hoping to make a living sealing and selling their wares to passing ships (forgetting how infrequently Inaccessible had visitors).  They were "overjoyed" to be rescued by a scientific expedition that stopped at the island in 1873.  The island is the home to over a million birds but has no land mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, or snails.  The island is a British Overseas Territory. Queen Elizabeth and the coat of arms is on the obverse.  The unofficial silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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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.

SPECIAL - GET ALL 29 OF THE ABOVE ISLE OF MAN CAT COINS AND SAVE!
(The set is not packaged, each coin comes in its own envelope)

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KENYA 2018 AFRICAN WILDLIFE COINS     

Kenya released four new 2018 dated coins.  The new designs replace politicians with African wildlife.  The 26mm bi-metallic 20 Shillings features an elephant.  The 23mm bi-metallic 10 Shillings depicts a lion.  The 19.5 bi-metallic 5 Shillings pictures a rhinoceros.  A giraffe is on the 23.9mm nickel-plated steel 1 Shilling.  The coins all feature the arms of Kenya on the obverse and legends in both English and Swahili. 

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OLD, UNCIRCULATED ELEPHANT HALF CENT FROM LIBERIA 

A striding elephant is featured on the obverse of this Uncirculated 1941 1/2 Cent coin from Liberia.  The reverse features the arms of Liberia which includes an African oil palm, sailing ship and the rising sun.  The 18mm coin was struck in the United States at the Philadelphia mint and has a mintage of 250,000 pieces.  Liberia was settled by freed American slaves starting in 1822.  In 1847 they formed the Republic of Liberia, Africa's first republic.  Its government and flag was modeled after that of the United States.  It is an attractive old, high-grade animal coin at a reasonable price.

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MACEDONIA WILDLIFE COIN SET 

This attractive four coin set from Macedonia features wildlife. The 1993 50 Deni features a seagull in flight. The 1997 1 Dinar shows a Yugoslavian sheep dog. A leaping trout is on the 2001 2 Denari and a lynx is on the 2001 5 Denari. The reverse of the coins feature the denomination and a 16-ray sun symbol that supposedly was used by Alexander the Great. All four coins are struck in brass and are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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MALACCA FIGHTING COCK TOKEN 

The origins of the cock or rooster token is a bit obscure.  The copper 1 Keping tokens were minted in England for merchants in Singapore for use in Malacca and other parts of Malaya.  The Standard Catalog of World Coins lists them under Malay Peninsula - Malacca, though other references sometimes catalog them under Singapore.  The obverse of the 21mm copper token features a fighting cock and the legend "the land of the Malays" in Malaysian.  The reverse has the denomination and the AH date 1247 which corresponds to 1831AD.  The tokens circulated widely around Singapore and Malaya until the introduction of Straits Settlements coinage in 1845. 

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2017 BI-METALLIC MALDIVES COIN FEATURES SEA-SHELL  

Maldives recently released a redesigned 2017 dated 2 Rufiyaa coin featuring a Triton’s Trumpet shell.  The large shell can reach up to 2 feet (60cm) in length. The 25.5mm bi-metallic coin has a nickel-plated steel center and a nickel-brass ring.  Maldives is a chain of 26 low lying atolls spanning about 115 square miles (300 sq.km.) in the Indian Ocean.  It is one of the world’s lowest countries.  Its highest point is less than 8 feet (2.4 meters) above sea level. 

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PRETTY MULTI-COLOR SILVER COIN DEPICTS AN UGLY ANIMAL

This sterling silver Proof Mongolian 500 Tugrik depicts a multi-color image of a Mongolian Saiga Antelope (Saiga Tatarica Mongolica).  The horned animal features an overly-large distinctive nose.  During summer the huge nose helps filter out dust and cools the animal's blood. In winter it heats up the frigid air before it is taken to the lungs.  The animal has had vast swings in its population.  During the last ice-age it ranged from the British Isles, through Central Asia and into Alaska and the Yukon.  By the 1920’s it was almost exterminated, however it was able to recover by the 1950’s.  The population collapsed again after the fall of the Soviet Union due to uncontrolled hunting and the demand for its horns in Chinese medicine.  Disease has taken a further toll and today it is Critically Endangered.   The 2011 dated coin features the arms of Mongolia and the denomination on the obverse.  The 38.61mm coin weights 25 grams and has a mintage of just 2500 pieces.  It comes in a capsule with a certificate of Authenticity.   It is an attractive coin depicting an ugly animal.

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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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ATTRACTIVE NIUE DOLLAR DEPICTS SWORD FISH

This attractive 38.6mm copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin from the Pacific Island nation of Niue depicts a Sword Fish on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.  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.  Today Niue is a self-governing nation that is in association with New Zealand, which handles its defense and foreign affairs. The British monarch is the head of state. It has a population of less than 3000 and an area of about 100 square miles. 

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2020 NIUE KOALA COIN SUPPORTS WILDLIFE SERVICES

Niue released a 2020 copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin depicting a cute Koala and the Australian flag superimposed on a map of Australia. Above is the inscription "PRESERVE PLANET EARTH".  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coins goes to support the New South Wales Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service  (NSW - WIRES)  It is the largest wildlife rescue & rehabilitation charity in Australia.  The 38.6mm coin comes in a presentation pack.  It has a mintage of just 2020 pieces.

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ANCIENT OLBIA DOLPHIN COIN 

Olbia was a Greek city on the Black Sea in what is now Ukraine.  Between the 5th and 3rd century BC it issued these unusual bronze dolphin shaped coins. The crudely cast coins vary in size, from about 20mm to 27mm and lack tails.  They are one of the most unusual ancient coins available, yet are remarkably affordable due to a recent large hoard.

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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 outstretched 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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PAPAU 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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WOLF ON 2019 PORTUGUESE 5 EURO

A mother Iberian wolf nuzzling her two cubs and the Portuguese arms is on the obverse of 30mm copper-nickel 2019 dated 5 Euro.  Another wolf is on the reverse.   The Iberian wolf is a proposed subspecies of grey wolf that inhabits the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a cute and attractive coin.

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LION ON SCARCE COIN OF SHORT-LIVED 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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2017 COINS OF ST. THOMAS & PRINCE FEATURE BIRDS  

St. Thomas and Prince (São Tomé and Príncipe) are a former Portuguese colony off the west coast of Africa. On January 1, 2018 it did a 1000 to 1 revaluation of their currency. New coins dated 2017, were issued.  Included are the 10, 20, 50 Centimos and 1 and 2 Dobras. The coins feature the coat-of-arms on the obverse and native birds on the reverse.

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KING CHARLES III ON COINS FOR  SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND & WALES 

Though Prince Charles is not yet King, undated, multi-colored unofficial pattern 2 Pound coins were issued for  Scotland and Northern Ireland.  One side of the coins depicts the outline of the bust of Charles wearing the royal crown, his royal cipher and the arms of the country in color.  The other side depicts the national flower and a bird in color, along with the denomination. The Scotland coin depicts a Scottish thistle and a Golden Eagle. The Northern Ireland coin features a shamrock and a Eurasian wren.  The 40mm coins are struck on silver plated brass with Proof finish.  Only 250 of each of the coins were minted.

Item SCOT2 SCOTLAND 2 POUNDS COIN (2016) PROOF $24.00

Item NO-IRE2 NORTHERN IRELAND 2 POUNDS COIN (2016) PROOF $24.00

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SIERRA LEONE DINOSAUR DOLLARS 

Four famous and ferocious dinosaurs are featured on these copper-nickel 1 Dollar coins of Sierra Leone.  The attractive 2006 dated coins feature the Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the Triceratops.  The arms of Sierra Leone is on the obverse of the 38.6mm copper-nickel coins. 

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BIG CATS FROM SIERRA LEONE

Sierra Leone recently issued a set of five 2020 dated coins featuring "Big Cats" of the world.  The set features the Cheetah, Cougar, Lion, Panther and Tiger.  The arms of Sierra Leone is on the obverse of each coin. The copper-nickel 1 Dollar denominated coins are 38.6mm in diameter.  They have a mintage of just 10,000 pieces each and are sure to be popular with lovers of all sizes of cats everywhere. 

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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, and  an ibex is on the 5 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 2002 and are Uncirculated.

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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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HUMPBACK WHALES ON SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS COIN

A humpback whale and her calf are featured on this 2006 dated 2 Pounds coin of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.  Humpback whales can grow to over 50 feet (15m) in length and weigh 30 tons.  Despite their size the feed on krill and small fish.  The whales can migrate some 16000 miles (25,000km.) each year between polar waters and their subtropical and tropical breeding grounds.  We sometimes see these impressive whales breaching in the waters off of Grover Beach.  South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are remote, inhospitable islands located some 800 miles (1300km) southeast of the Falklands. Whaling was the main industry on the islands until it was outlawed in the 1960's. Now the islands host a small a small summer population and a number of cruise ships. The 38.6mm copper-nickel coin depicts Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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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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SEA LIFE ON SOUTH GEORGIA & SO. SANDWICH ISLANDS 2017 TITANIUM AND COPPER-NICKEL COINS

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands released attractive 2017 dated 2 Pound coins featuring native sea life.  One coin features a male and female Elephant Seal sitting on a beach. The seal gets its name from its great size and the large inflatable proboscis of the adult males, which is used to make extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season.  The coin was struck green titanium and copper nickel.  Another coin features a Blue Whale mother and her calf.  Blue whales are the largest animals ever known to have lived on Earth. These magnificent marine mammals rule the oceans at up to 100 feet long and upwards of 200 tons. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant. Their hearts can be as large as an automobile.   The copper-nickel versions of the coins have a mintage of 10,000 pieces and are 38.6mm in diameter.  The titanium has a mintage of 7,500 pieces, is 36.1mm in diameter, weighs 10 grams, and come in a box with a Certificate of Authenticity.  All the coins portray Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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PILOT WHALES ON 2017 SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS COIN

Pilot Whales are large, robust members of the dolphin family, which can weigh as much as 7000 pounds (3,200kg.) and reach a length 24 feet (7.2 meters). These intelligent marine mammals form close social bonds and live in tight-knit pods.  The Pilot Whale received its name due to a belief that the pod always follows a single leader.  This may be the reason why entire pods of Pilot Whales often strand themselves on beaches – they follow their leader even when it makes a fatal mistake.   This 2017 copper-nickel 2 Pound coin of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands shows Pilot Whale in the foreground in the Antarctic waters with the head of a second whale appearing above the water. The top of a third whale can be seen just above the waterline in the background.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The coin is 38.6mm in diameter and is Brilliant Uncirculated.

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SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS 2016 MINKE WHALE COIN

A Minke Whale swimming beneath the ocean with icebergs floating above is featured on this 2016 dated 2 Pounds coin from South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands.  The Minke Whale usually measures about 23 to 26 feet (7-8m) long and can weight as much as 10 tons.  It can dive for as long as 20 minutes and can swim as fast as 24mpg (38 km/h).  The obverse of the coin features Queen Elizabeth.  The copper-nickel coin is 38.6mm in diameter.

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RARE SPECTACLED PORPOISE ON SO. GEORGIA & SO. SANDWICH ISLANDS COIN

The threatened and rarely seen Spectacled Porpoise is featured on this 2014 copper-nickel 2 Pound coin from South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. The porpoises are fast, active swimmers that they normally avoid boats. The dark rings around their eyes gives them the appearance of wearing glasses, hence the name. They live in the cool sub-Antarctic  waters and have occaisionally been spotted near South Georgia.  Little is known about their behaviour as most of the information has been gleaned from stranded individuals.  The 38.6mm coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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WADDELL SEAL PUP ON SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLAND COIN

A cute Waddell Seal Pup is pictured on this 2013 dated 2 Pound coin from South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands.  The Weddell Seal is native to Antarctica and lives further south than any other mammal.  It was discovered and named by British sealing Captain James Waddell, during his expeditions to the Waddell Sea.  When born the pups are around half the length of their mother (ouch!) and weigh 25 to 30 kilograms.  The Weddell Seal is remarkable for its ability to survive the bitter Antarctic winters where they spend most of their time in the water to avoid blizzards with only their heads poking through breathing holes in the ice.  It can remain underwater for as long as 80 minutes.    The obverse of the 38.6mm copper-nickel coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

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WILDLIFE COINS OF TANZANIA     

Animals are featured on this high-catalog value set from Tanzania.  Tanzania, located on the coast of Africa, was founded when Tanganyika, formerly German East Africa, merged with Zanzibar in 1964. The set includes the multi-sided 1976  5 Senti which shows a sailfish, the scalloped 1979 10 Senti which shows a Zebra, the 1984 20 Senti which shows an Ostrich, the  1989 50 Senti which shows a rabbit and the 1990 1 Shillingi features an outstretched arm holding a torch. 

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TOKELAU SILVER COLOR COIN FEATURES KILLER WHALES 

The small Pacific island nation of Tokelau features the Orcas or Killer Whales, on this multi-colored sterling silver 2012 5 Dollar coin. Two Orcas, one in full color, are shown leaping from the ocean. The obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth, and a Tuluma bearing a cross.  The Tuluma, the national symbol of Tokalu, is a traditional wooden tackle box used by fisherman.  Tokelau, once known as the Union Islands, consists of 3 small atolls with a population of only about 1,400.  Though governed by New Zealand, it occasionally issues coins for collectors.  The attractive 38.6mm coin weighs 20 grams and has a mintage of only 2500 pieces.

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BI-METALLIC COINS TURKISH COINS DEPICT WILDLIFE

Turkey issues an annual series of two bimetallic 1 Lira coins, each depicting an animal.  The coins are all 26.15mm in diameter and have the denomination and date on the obverse. The 2009 issues depict an mother elephant and her calf on one coin and a sea tortoise on the other. The 2009 issues have a mintage of only 5000 of each coin. A Red Deer and a Leopard appear on the 2012 issues.   The 2015 issues depict an Anatolian Wild Sheep or Mouflon on one coin and a desert lizard on the other.  The 2015 issues have a mintage of only 50,000 each.

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TURKS & CAICOS COINS FEATURE CRITTERS

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 featuring the islands coat of arms on the reverse.  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.  In 1981 it issued a 24mm copper-nickel Quarter Crown coin depicting a Spiny Lobster on the reverse.  It is the lowest denomination issued by the tiny island nation which primarily uses the United States dollar.  Both coins have the young head of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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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".

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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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