Birds of the Pacific Islands 1oz Silver Three Coin Set

About the Birds of Pacific Islands 3 x 1 oz Silver Coin Set

 

There are between 20,000 and 30,000 islands situated throughout the Pacific Ocean.

 

The existence of so many islands has created enormous opportunities for evolutionary development due to selective breeding. The result is a fantastic array of birdlife on islands throughout the Pacific, where birds have evolved into slightly different forms resulting in unique and endemic species.

 

New Zealand Mint is releasing this beautiful three Coin Set to celebrate these iconic birds of the Pacific.

 

Reverse Designs

Niue: This coin face features a high quality colour image of the Pacific Pigeon, Ducula pacifica, or ‘Lupe’ in Niuean.

 

This bird is generally acknowledged to be the most widely recognised endemic bird species on Niue. To its left is the Fiti Pua, Fagraea berteroana, the flower of Niue, and the Niuean coat of arms.

 

Fiji:  This coin face features the vibrant colours of the Collared Lory, Phigys solitaries, the National bird of Fiji.

 

Also featured is the native Tagimoucia Flower, Medinilla waterhousei, endemic to the highland rainforests of the Fijian Islands, only growing at an altitude of over 600 metres (656 yards). Above this is the official Fijian National Coat of Arms.

 

Pitcairn Island: 

This final coin features the Henderson Island Fruit Dove, Ptilinopus insularis, an iconic bird endemic to the Pitcairn Islands and listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

 

Below this is the native Yellow Fautu, Abutilon pitcairnense, a critically endangered perennial plant once thought to be extinct until a single plant was discovered in 2003. All elements are set against a finely engraved Pacific Island background, flowing across all three coins and their timber surround.

 

Obverse Designs

Niue: Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Fiji: Features the Fijian National Coat of Arms.

Pitcairn Island: Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

 

Packaging

The Birds of the Pacific Islands 3 x 1 oz Silver Coin Set is packaged in a natural-looking wooden coin holder, displaying the 3 coins side by side. The coin holder sits inside a wooden inner case, which is decorated with pacific-style engravings. The inner case sits inside a pacific themed white outer packaging. A Certificate of Authenticity is displayed inside the inner packaging. 

 

 

Technical Specifications:

 

Metal 999 Fine Silver
Finish Proof / Coloured
Diameter 51 mm x 30 mm
Edge Plain
Denomination $2
Year of Issue 2013
Mintage 3,000
Weight 1 Troy oz