American coin dealer APMEX has recently been partnering up with some coin producers to get exclusive rights to some new coin series which the company calls APMEXclusive’s. The first big series, and we really do mean BIG, is the Scottsdale Mint’s epic 60 coin, 10 year Biblical Stories set struck in two ounces of rimless antiqued silver. An ambitious and impressive series just passing its fifth release, it proved that APMEX were committed to the concept. Following on from there, and also from the Scottsdale Mint, is the new Vikings: Gods, Kings and Warriors series, a set of 15 coins in an almost identical format, but as the title suggests, concentrates on the old Norse culture and history. Another fine set, it started to become clear that APMEX were in the market to compete.

Latest to come is a new set called North American Predators. Very similar in look and format to MCI-Mints antique animal coins, this rather well done new coin has a ceramic insert representing one of the canine teeth. Depicting a Grey Wolf baring its teeth in a quite vicious looking snarl, this is also a two-ounce antique silver, but has a more traditional strike than the Bible and Viking coins. Clearly a beautifully struck coin, no more than you’d expect from the German masters at the Mayer Mint, the hair on the wolf’s face is impressively rendered in particular. The insert doesn’t jar, seemingly integrating very well into the overall design. Inscriptions are crisp and minimal, with all the denomination and issuers information on the obverse where they belong.

The rarest of the APMEXclusives so far at only 500 pieces, this Cook Island issued coin has the makings of a quick sell-out. The price launching at $139.99, some $40 less than the Bible and Viking coins, will help no end and we hope the dealer doesn’t start to jack prices on these too soon as they did with the earlier sets. Available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

GREY WOLF

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) also known as the timber wolf, or western wolf, is a canid native to the wilderness and remote areas of North America and Eurasia. It is the largest extant member of its family, with males averaging 43–45 kg (95–99 lb), and females 36–38.5 kg (79–85 lb). Like the red wolf, it is distinguished from other Canis species by its larger size and less pointed features, particularly on the ears and muzzle. Its winter fur is long and bushy, and predominantly a mottled grey in color, although nearly pure white, red, or brown to black also occur.

The grey wolf is the second most specialised member of the genus Canis, after the Ethiopian wolf, as demonstrated by its morphological adaptations to hunting large prey, its more gregarious nature, and its highly advanced expressive behavior. It is nonetheless closely related enough to smaller Canis species, such as the eastern wolf, coyote and golden jackal to produce fertile hybrids. Its closest relative is the domestic dog, with which it shared a common European ancestor which likely diverged 14,900 years ago. It is the only species of Canis to have a range encompassing both the Old and New Worlds, and originated in Eurasia during the Pleistocene, colonizing North America on at least three separate occasions during the Rancholabrean. It is a social animal, travelling in nuclear families consisting of a mated pair, accompanied by the pair’s adult offspring. The grey wolf is typically an apex predator throughout its range, with only humans and tigers posing a serious threat to it. It feeds primarily on large ungulates, though it also eats smaller animals, livestock, carrion, and garbage.

The grey wolf is one of the world’s best known and well researched animals, with probably more books written about it than any other wildlife species. It has a long history of association with humans, having been despised and hunted in most pastoral communities because of its attacks on livestock, while conversely being respected in some agrarian and hunter-gatherer societies. Although the fear of wolves is pervasive in many human societies, the majority of recorded attacks on people have been attributed to animals suffering from rabies. Non-rabid wolves have attacked and killed people, mainly children, but this is unusual, as wolves are relatively few, live away from people, and have been taught to fear humans by hunters and shepherds. (Source: Wikipedia)

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SPECIFICATION