THE COIN ZOO

COINS WITH ANIMALS

THE LITTLE ZOO

32 different Uncirculated world coins, all featuring various animals, birds, fish and other wildlife.  The set includes an identification sheet with the names of the animals.

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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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AFRICAN WILDLIFE ON 2021 AFAR COIN

The Afar (Qafar) are an ethnic group of some 2.5 million in the horn of Africa divided between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti (formerly French Afars & Issas).  Since 1975 there have been a number of Afars revolutionary groups seeking either an independent Afars or greater Afars autonomy.  This unofficial 2020 Afar 10 Dollar coin features a lioness attacking an African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) on the reverse.  The obverse features the fierce head of a male lion. The 8-sided, 40mm, silver plated coin has a mintage of only 190 pieces.  It is an attractive coin from a little-known part of Africa.

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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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QUEEN ELIZABETH ON 2023 AUSTRALIA KOOKABURRA

Every year Australia's Perth Mint issues a 1 troy ounce .9999 fine silver 1 Dollar Kookaburra coin.  Each year features a different reverse design depicting Kookaburra birds.  The 2023 coin features a pair of Kookaburras perched in a tree with a Waratah flower.  The flower is the emblem of New South Wales. Also on the reverse is The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark, the 2022 date, the weight and purity and a secret micro-laser engraved security letter that is only visible under a magnifying glass.  Even though Queen Elizabeth died in 2022, Jody Clark's portrait of the Queen is on the obverse as the mint was not able to prepare new dies in time. The 40.9mm coin has a limited mintage of 500,000 and comes in a protective capsule. 

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2022 AUSTRALIA SILVER KOOKABURRA

Australia's Perth Mint continued its popular Kookaburra series with this 2022 issue.  The reverse depicts a kookaburra perched on an ornamental bird bath among Agapanthus, flowering plants regularly seen in Australian gardens.  Also on the reverse is The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark, the 2022 date, the weight and purity and a secret micro-laser engraved security letter that is only visible under a magnifying glass.  The 40.9mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule.  Jody Clark's portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The coin is denominated 1 Dollar. 

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2022 AUSTRALIA SILVER KANGAROO

A hopping Kangaroo is featured on this 2022 1 troy ounce .9999 fine silver Dollar of Australia.  The coin has an intricately detailed engraved design to thwart counterfeiting and allow the coins to be easily stacked.  A further anti-counterfeiting device is a microscopic "A" within the letter "K" in Kangaroo. The Perth Mint's P mintmark is in the engraving at the right of the Kangaroo. The obverse features the Jody Clark portrait of Queen Elizabeth.  The Perth Mint was founded in 1899 as a branch of the Royal Mint in England.  It is now owned by the state of Western Australia and its coinage is legal tender in Australia.

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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 1/2 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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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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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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 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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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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BEAUTIFUL BIRDS FROM BELARUS

Belarus has issued some distinctive and beautiful coins featuring native birds. All the coins are 32mm, copper-nickel 1 Rubles with a mintage of only 5000 pieces each.  The 2004 issue features two Common Cranes and commemorates the Prypiatsky National Park. The national arms in on the obverse.  A swimming Graylag Goose is commemorated as the "Bird of the Year" on a 2009 Ruble.  The obverse has an emblem featuring a small bird held in a pair of hands. Another 2009 Ruble depicts a White Stork and two storks in a nest.  The obverse features the footprint of a stork on grass grass and the EurAsEC emblem.   The coin commemorates the wildlife of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC).  EurAsEc included Russia and some countries from the former Soviet Union. It existed from 2000 until 2014.

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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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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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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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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2021 BI-COLOR TITANIUM & COPPER-NICKEL TITANIUM COINS

Two adult Caribbean Flamingos in front of a waterfall are featured on these 2021 coins of the British Virgin Islands.  The 36.1mm titanium 5 Dollar coin features pink flamingos against a green background.  The colors are not painted, but are annodized, so that they are an integral part of the metal of the coin.  Because the Titanium reacts differently with every strike, each flamingo coin is technically different from all others. The Titanium coin is shipped encapsulated in an acrylic capsule for protection and housed in a stunning red box with a Certificate of Authenticity. It has a mintage of only 5000 pieces.  The copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin is 38.6mm.   Both coins portray Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2021 SILVER FLAMINGO

The British Virgin Islands recently released this beautiful 2021 reverse cameo frosted silver Flamingo dollar. The word ‘flamingo’ comes from the Portuguese/Spanish 'flamengo' meaning 'flame-colored'. Flamingos get their pink color from eating shrimp and algae containing carotenoid. Featured on the coin is a flamingo in a typical pose, standing on one leg with its head tucked down.  In the background is a flock of flamingos.  Flamingos are very sociable birds that live in colonies that can number thousands of birds.   Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The 38.6mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and has a mintage of only 10,000 pieces.



Also see:
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR 2015 FLAMINGO, COPPER-NICKEL

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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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RARE CHINESE BIRD AND BUTTERFLY COINS

These Chinese bronze 5 Yuan coins depict native endangered wildlife.  The 1997 coin depicts a Red-crowned Crane. In Chinese mythology they carry immortals between heaven and earth. The birds mate for life, which can range from 30 to 50 years.  The birds are about 5 feet (150cm) tall.   The 1998 coin features a Brown-eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum).  The bird is about 39 inches (100cm) tall and is endemic to the mountain forests of north-eastern China.  The 1999 coin depicts a Swallowtail Butterfly.  The bronze coins are 32mm in diameter.  The obverses  include the date and the national emblem of China which features the entrance gate to the Forbidden City,

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2019 CIRCULATING COINS OF CHINA

The People's Republic of China recently released new versions of the 1 and 5 Jiao and 1 Yuan coins with updated designs. All three coins continue to feature flowers on the reverse.  The size of the 1 Yuan is reduced from 25mm to 22.5mm.  The numeral "1" incorporates latent image of “¥” and “1”.  The coin has a lettered edge with "RMB" repeated three times.  The metallic content of the 5 Jiao is changed to nickel-plated steel, the typeface of the denomination revised and the orchid blossoms on the reverse scaled down.  The numeral on the 1 Jiao was also revised and the orchid on the reverse scaled down.    

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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.

ALSO SEE:  
FRANCE 1/4 EURO 2022 YEAR OF THE TIGER

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CHINA CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE RABBIT

China commemorated the Year of the rabbit with this attractive 27mm bi-metallic 2023 dated 10 Yuan coin. The reverse depicts a cute artistic paper-cutting of a rabbit, 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.   Also available are some previous issues in this series.

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2022 CHINESE SILVER PANDA 

The 2022 Chinese Silver Panda features two young pandas playing in the snow.   Next to them is a privy mark featuring the numeral 40 and the head of a panda.  2022 is the 40th anniversary of this popular series of coins. The coin was designed by Chinese coin designer Huang Qin.  The obverse includes the date, denomination 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 come in a protective capsule.

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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, the denomination and 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.   

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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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TRIANGULAR DEVIL'S ISLAND COIN FEATURES GIANT SPIDER

Devil's Island (Ile du Diable), located off the north coast of French Guiana was one of the world's most notorious penal colonies. Emperor Napoleon III of France opened it in 1852 for political prisoners and the most hardened criminals.  It quickly developed a reputation for brutality, harshness and tropical diseases.  Few of its 80,000 or so prisoners ever returned.  In the 19th century 15 prostitutes, guarded by nuns, were shipped to Devil's Island to encourage prisoners to live a dignified life and start a family.  No families were started but disputes arose among the men and a syphilis epidemic broke out.  The prison was finally closed in 1952 after 100 years in operation.  This unofficial 2022 100 Franc issued for Devil's Island depicts the coat of arms of French Guiana on the obverse. The coat of arms incudes the date 1643, three fleur-de-lis and a boat load of gold on a shield supported by two anteaters.  The reverse pictures a Goliath birdeater spider (Theraphosa blondi).  It is the world's largest spider by weight (175g. - 6.2 oz.) and grows up to 5 inches (13cm) in length.  Despite its name, it rarely eats birds. The 36mm triangular silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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ESEQUIBO COIN FEATURES TOCO TOUCAN

Esequibo is a disputed region bordering the Essequibo river in South America.  It is claimed and controlled by Guyana though is also claimed by Venezuela.  The dispute dates back to the 19th century.  In 2006 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez added an 8th star to the Venezuelan flag to represent Esequibo.  The region contains large oil fields and makes up a substantial portion of the nation of Guyana.  The obverse of this 2020 dated 20 Guilderro depicts the arms of Esequibo.  The reverse depicts a Toco Toucan.  The unofficial 40mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 160 pieces.

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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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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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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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FRANCE CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE TIGER

France celebrated the Chinese Year of the Tiger with this 2022 Nordicgold (copper-aluminum-nickel alloy) 1/4 Euro.  One side of the 31mm coin features a child-like tiger surrounded by plum blossoms.  The other side depicts all 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac surrounding a ying-yang symbol, the denomination and "RF" for Republique Francaise.

ALSO SEE:  
CHINA 10 YUAN 2022 YEAR OF THE TIGER, BI-METALLIC 

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GAZELLE ON FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA FRANC

French Equatorial Africa was a monetary union created by France to provide a common currency for some of its African territories, including what is now Chad, Central African Republic, Congo Republic and Gabon.   It issued few coins, among the last being this aluminum 2 Francs coins dated 1948. The reverse depicts a Loder’s Gazelle.  The obverse depicts Marianne, the national symbol of France, and some ships.  The aluminum coin is 27mm..  

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WHALE ON RECTANGULAR GALAPAGOS $8 COIN

A humpback whale is pictured this rectangular 8 dollar coin from the Galapagos Islands. The coin is the first in a series of coins issued for the isolated islands. The reverse features the arms of the islands. The islands are famous for their wide array of unusual wildlife. The Galapagos is a posession of Ecuador. Since 2000 the United States dollar has been Ecuador's official currency, thus the coin is denominated in U.S. dollars. Like most odd-ball coins, it is not meant to circulate, and it is not a legal tender issue. The attractive and unusual coin is struck in silver-plated brass. It has a mintage of only 3000 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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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 THE COMPLETE SET OF 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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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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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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CRITTERS FROM KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan issued an attractive series of coins featuring endangered native wildlife.  The 31mm copper-nickel coins are denominated 50 Tenge. Each year a different critter was featured on the reverse of the coin. The 2007 to 2009 issues have the Kazakstan national emblem on the obverse.  The later issues feature the critter in its natural habitat on the obverse. The coins have a mintage of only 50,000 each.    A Tien Shan Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos Isabellinus) is on the 2008 coin. .  The 2010 issue depicted a Dalmatian Pelican on both sides of the coin. 

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ELEPHANT ON OLD, UNCIRCULATED ELEPHANT HALF CENT FROM LIBERIA 

A striding elephant is featured on the obverse of this Uncirculated 1/2 Cent coins from Liberia.  The reverses feature the arms of Liberia which includes an African oil palm, sailing ship and the rising sun.  The coin is 18mm in diameter.  The 1937 issue is struck in a brass alloy and has a mintage of 1 million pieces.   The 1941 issue was struck at the United States mint in Philadelphia and has a mintage of 250,000 pieces.  They are attractive, old, Uncirculated animal coins at a reasonable price.

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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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ATTRACTIVE MACEDONIAN COIN SET INCLUDES WILDLIFE.

This six coin set from Macedonia includes the 50 Deni to the 50 Denari.  The 50 Denari portrays the head of Archangel Gabriel..  The 10 Denari has the peacock.  Both coins are copper-nickel.  The lower four denominations all feature animals and are struck in brass. A lynx is on the 5 Denari. An Ochrid Tr out is on the 2 Denari.  A Yugoslav Shepherd Dog (Sarplaninac) is on the 1 Denar.  The 50 Deni features a seagull in flight.  The reverses of the coins feature the denomination and a 16-ray sun symbol that was used by Alexander the Great. All six coins are Brilliant Uncirculated

Also see:

FIRST BANKNOTE OF NORTH MACEDONIA: 10 DENARS 2020

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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 ab out 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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ENDANGERED FROG COINS OF MALAWI

Malawi released a series of 10 multi-colored silver-plated Proof 10 Kwacha coins depicting endangered frogs in 2010.  A different species of endangered frog is depicted on each of the coins in vibrant colors.  Included is Blue Poison Arrow, Dyeing Poison Arrow, Darwin Frog, Panamanian Gold, Purple Frog, Carrikeri Harlequin, Golden Harlequin, Tree Frog, Amazon Horned, Malagasy Rainbow.   The obverses of the coins include the Malawi coat of arms, denomination and date. The 39mm coins are Proof and have a mintage of only 10,000 pieces each.   The Standard Catalog of World Coins only lists six of the ten coins in the set. Those that are listed have a catalog value of $24 each.  Due to a fortunate purchase we can offer this attractive set for much less.

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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
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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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HIPPO ON MALI'S FIRST COIN

The central African nation of Mali gained independence from France in 1960.  It issued its first circulating coins in 1961, including this 5 Francs depicting a hippo.  The aluminum coin has the denomination within a wreath on the reverse

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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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NEW ZEMLYA COIN DEPICTS NARWAL

New Zemlya is a Russian archipelago in the Artic Ocean.  It may have been inhabited in pre-historic times.  It was known to Russian hunters since at least the 11th century but was not permanently inhabited until 1870.  In 1870 Russia resettled a group of Nenets (Samoyed) in order to keep out the Norwegians.  During World War II the islands housed a major prison, two airfields and a naval base.  During the Cold War it was a sensitive military area.  In 1957 the Nenets were removed and the islands were used for nuclear testing.  In 1961 the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated, was air burst over the islands.  Over 200 nuclear detonations have been done on the islands. Today the islands have about 2500 residents.  The northern portion makes up part of the Russian Arctic National Park.  This unofficial 2021 200 Rubles of New Zemlya depicts a narwal on one side and the crowned Russian arms on the other.   The silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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FISH EAGLE ON COIN OF DISPUTED NATUNA

The Natuna Regency is an archipelago of 272 islands located in the s out h part of the S out h China Sea.  The islands are controlled by Indonesia.  Part of Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Natuna overlaps with China's "Nine Dashed Lines" claim to most of the S out h China Sea, which is based on a map published by China in 1947.  There have been conflicts over fishing in the disputed area and Indonesia has heavily armed the islands in an attempt to enforce their claims.  Natural Gas deposits in the region may create further conflicts.  One side of this unofficial 2020 dated 5000 Rupiah coin depicts a Lesser Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus humilis) holding a fish in its talons.  The other side has the Natuna emblem on the chest of a heraldic Indonesian Garuda Bird.  The 39mm silver-plated proof coin has a scalloped edge.   It has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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ATTRACTIVE NIUE DOLLARS DEPICTS SWORD FISH

Niue is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean ab out 1500 miles (2,400 km) northeast of New Zealand.  It has an area of ab out 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. Niue issued 1 Dollar coins in 2009 and 2010. Both coins have the same attractive design, with Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and a swordfish on the reverse.  The 2009 issue is 32mm and struck in aluminum-bronze.  The 2010 issue is 38.6mm and struck in copper-nickel.

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FLAMINGOS ON COIN OF NUEVA ESPARTA

Nueva Sparta is an archipelago of three islands located off the coast of Venezuela: Margarita, Coche and Cubagua.  They were discovered in 1498 during the third voyage of Columbus.   Rich pearl deposits were found on Cubagua and it was soon settled by Europeans that exploited the pearls.  By 1537, less than 40 years after the islands were discovered the oyster population had been decimated, the pearl industry collapsed and the island largely abandoned. most of the remaining residents moved to Margarita.  Even today, Cubagua remains largely uninhabited.  The Spanish built a number of forts on islands to protect against French and English navies and pirates.  In 1816 Simon Bolivar proclaimed the Third Republic of Venezuelan and the Assembly of Notables recognized Bolivar as the Supreme Chief in the Church of Santa Ana on Margarita.  The islands were given the name Nueva Esparta (New Sparta) because of the heroism shown by the inhabitants during Venezuela’s war of independence. resembled that of the Spartans of classical Greece. This unofficial 2021 Nueva Sparta 500 Bolivars features the Nueva Sparta arms on the obverse.  The reverse features two flamingos and cattleya flowers along with the denomination, date and the arms of Venezuela.  The six-sided silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of just 145 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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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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AFRICAN PENGUINS ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDS COIN

A pair of diving African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are on this unofficial 2020 20 Rand coin of the Prince Edward Islands of S out h Africa. (Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island of Canada).  The obverse of this six-sided coin features the arms of the islands.   The Prince Edward Islands are two islands belonging to S out h Africa located 1,099 miles (1,769 km.) s out h-east of Port Elizabeth. The islands are a Special Nature Reserve and are uninhabited except for visiting scientists.  The islands were often visited by seal hunters in the 19th century, until the seal population was nearly eradicated.  The sealers accidentally introduced mice, whose population quickly multiplied and threatened the bird population.  In 1949 cats were introduced to control the mice population.  The cats controlled the mice, but the cat population then soared and the birds became threatened by the cats.  A cat eradication program was implemented by introducing cats infected with a deadly feline virus. Any remaining cats were shot or trapped.  With the cats gone the mouse population again soared, and the bird population was once again threatened.  Recently a new mouse eradication program was implemented.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 160.

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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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KISSING GIRAFFES AND 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 1958  Rhodesian and Nysaland bronze Half Penny depicts a pair of giraffes which appear to be kissing.  The bronze 1962 penny 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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NILE CROCODILES ON 2023 RWANDA 1 OUNCE SILVER COIN

Two Nile Crocodiles and a map of Africa are featured on this 2023 Rwanda silver 50 Amafaranga.   One crocodile is on land while a smaller one looks up from the water. The obverse features the emblem The 40mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver.  The obverse portrays Rwanda's national emblem. The 40mm coin comes sealed in a plastic pouch.

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AFRICAN ANIMALS ON 2020 SAHRAWI COIN SET  

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, also known as Saharaui, or Western Sahara, is what used to be the Spanish Sahara. Though it declared independence from Spain in 1975, Morocco also claims the region and currently controls about 80% of the territory.  This non-circulating 5-coin 2020 dated set of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic features African wildlife.   The 1 Pesesta depicts a Black-collared lovebird.  An African Buffalo is on the 5 Peseta.  A lion is on the 10 Peseta.  Th 25 Peseta features a hippopotamus. The 50 Peseta portrays a Gorilla.   The obverse of all the coins depict the national arms, which features a pair of crossed rifles holding flags.  The 1 Peseta is aluminum, the others are nickel-plated steel.

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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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KING CHARLES III ON COINS FOR  SCOTLAND 

Though Prince Charles is not yet King, undated, multi-colored unofficial pattern 2 Pound coin was issued for  Scotland.  One side of the coins depicts the outline of the bust of Charles wearing the royal crown. His royal cipher and the arms of Scotland are in color.  The other side depicts a Scottish thistle and a Golden Eagle in color.  The 40mm coins are struck on silver plated brass with Proof finish.  Only 250 pieces were minted.

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

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SHETLAND COIN FEATURES CHARLES III AND SHELTIE

King Charles III is featured on the obverse of this unofficial 2022 dated 1 Crown coin of the Shetland Islands. "SEALTAINN", the Gaelic name of the islands also appears on the obverse.  The reverse features a Shetland Sheep Dog guarding a flock of sheep.  The islands, located north-east of Scotland, were have been inhabited since as early as 1500BC.  Around 297AD they became part of the Pictish realm.  Vikings raided, then later settled on the islands I the 9th century.  The islands later passed to Norway, then Denmark, before being sold to Scotland in 1469 to help settle a royal dispute about the payment of a dowry.  It is now part of the United Kingdom.  Many local customs reflect the Norse heritage and most place names have Norse origin.  The eight-sided, 40mm Proof coin has a mintage of only 130 pieces.

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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.  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.

Item SL-BIG5 SIERRA LEONE SET OF 5 WILDLIFE DOLLAR COINS, 2019 BU $49.75

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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.

Item S-SI-SET6 SLOVENIA 6 COIN ANIMAL SET 10 STOTINOV - 5 TOLAR, 1992-2002 KM3-7  UNC $4.50

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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.

Item SOML-SET5 SOMILILAND 5 COIN SET, 1994-2005, 1-20 SHILLINGS, KM1-6 BU $4.50

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

S out h Georgia and S out h 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.

Item SGI-TIT-SEAL17 SO.GEORGIA & SO.SANDWICH IS. 2 POUNDS 2017 GREEN TITANIUM ELEPHANT SEAL BU $59.00

Item SGI-CN-SEAL17 SO.GEORGIA & SO.SANDWICH IS. 2 POUNDS 2017 COPPER-NICKEL ELEPHANT SEAL BU out

Item SGI-TIT-BWHALE17 SO.GEORGIA & SO.SANDWICH IS. 2 POUNDS 2017 BLUE TITANIUM BLUE WHALE BU  out

Item SGI-CN-BWHALE17 SO.GEORGIA & SO.SANDWICH IS. 2 POUNDS 2017 COPPER-NICKEL BLUE WHALE BU $14.00

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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.

Item SGA-PILOT17 SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH IS. 2 POUNDS 2017 PILOT WHALE BU $14.00

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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 S out h Georgia and S out h 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.

Item SGI-TIT-PENG19 SO.GEORGIA & SO.SANDWICH IS. 2 POUNDS 2019 MACARONI PENGUIN BLUE TITANIUM BU $49.00

Item SGI-CN-PENG19 SO.GEORGIA & SO.SANDWICH IS. 2 POUNDS COPPER-NICKEL 2019 MACARONI PENGUIN BU  out

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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 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.

Item TR-ZOO-15 TURKEY SET OF 2 BIMETAL 1 LIRA MOUFLON & LIZARD 2015 BU $12.00

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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 ab out 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.

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

Item TC-1/4CR TURKS & CAICOS 1/4 CROWN 1981 KM51 UNC. $5.00

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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.

Item UA-CRAB00 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI 2000 FRESHWATER CRAB KM99 BU $15.00

Item UA-BISON03 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI 2003 EUROPEAN BISON KM167 BU $9.00

Item UA-MOLE05 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI 2005 SANDY MOLE RAT KM357 BU $8.00

Item UA-GHOP06 UKRAINE 2 HRYVNI BUSH KATYDID GRASSHOPPER KM391 BU $12.00

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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.  

Item S-UY-SET4 URUGUAY 4 COIN WILDLIFE SET 1 - 10 PESOS 2011-19  KM134-137 UNC. $7.00

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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 S out h Yemen or Democratic Yemen, gained independence from Great Britain after the withdrawal of the British and the collapse of the Federation of S out h 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 s out h 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 S out h 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 1973AD and AH1373. 

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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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