Another series from the New Zealand Mint that has become a collector favourite is its silver Endangered Species range. Depicting the sadly increasing number of animals under threat around the world, the Snow Leopard is the sixth coin to be launched in the series, although because the first coin featuring the Venerable Collared Lizard was coloured and carried a different style of art, it’s often not considered part of the set by collectors.  All of the subsequent releases, the Black Rhino, the Bengal Tiger, the Mountain Gorilla, and the Pygmy Hippo, have stuck with a new style and are now clean-struck, and depict the animal near a body of water which carries a reflection of it.

The Snow Leopard coin sticks to the successful formula right down the line, and fans of the series won’t find anything to dissuade them from continuing to get this fine set. The mini cargo-style packing crate that’s become a signature feature of the Endangered Species series is here, the price remains at $85.00 USD, and the mintage has stayed at just 2,000 pieces.

The coin is available now from the New Zealand Mint website, and from one of the myriad dealers that carry their coins around the world.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.

Inhabiting alpine and sub-alpine areas, at elevations of up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft), these powerful mammals live in some of the harshest climates on earth.

Insulated by thick hair, the Leopard’s spotted coat enables it to blend perfectly into rocky mountainsides, while the animal’s wide, fur-covered feet, act as natural snowshoes. Snow Leopards have powerful legs and are able to leap as far as 15 m (50 ft). Their long tails are used for balance and to cover sensitive body parts against the extreme cold.

These rare and beautiful animals can grow up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in length and weight up to 55 kg (120 lb). As powerful predators, Snow Leopards have been known to kill animals up to three times their weight, along with smaller fare, such as hares, mountain ibex and game birds.

Snow Leopards are found in 12 countries through Asia including China, Nepal, Russia, and Mongolia. The Snow Leopard is also the National Heritage Animal of Pakistan.

Despite being the apex predator in its ecosystem, the global population of this species is less than 7,000. This is chiefly due to poaching and loss of habitat, both of which pose serious threats to the animal.

REVERSE: This relief engraved silver coin shows a majestic Snow Leopard in the act of leaping on prey. This scene is mirrored in the finely engraved water.

OBVERSE: This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

PACKAGING: The Endangered Species, Snow Leopard 1 oz Silver coin comes packaged in a rustic wooden crate coin case and printed outer packaging.

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SPECIFICATION