The smallest of the series which US coin behemoth APMEX calls its ‘APMEXclusives’ is now joined by the second of the three coins that it comprises. North American Predators is a 2oz antique-silver series, struck by the Mayer Mint in Germany and produced by Liechtenstein-based industry favourites, Coin Invest Trust for the American dealer, and carries many of the hallmarks associated with its pedigree. The antique finish, unusual insert, and fine quality leave little doubt that this isn’t something knocked up on the quick.

APMEX do seem to have a thing for the format; Scottsdale Mint’s epic 60 coin, 10 year Biblical Stories set, and the 15 coin Vikings: Gods, Kings and Warriors series are also distributed by the company, and both are 2oz antique silver ranges. To be fair, it is a format that has garnered huge popularity over the last couple of years, possibly because of the Perth Mints super Gods of Olympus series, along with its subsequent sequels. The North American Predators coins are a little more traditional in that they still incorporate a rimmed design and more traditional artwork.

The unusual, and actually very well done difference here is the ceramic insert that highlights one of the animals teeth, a good choice for what are after all, a predators. After last years Grey Wolf we’ve headed to the nautical realm with a much rarer subject, the Sealion. The artwork is very clearly of the same ilk as its predecessor. Fur detail is as fine as last years, and the pose is very similar indeed, so it’s fair to say if you loved the first one, you’ll want the second. The insert is an exercise in perfect placement and restraint, often the point where a design can fall flat on its face, there’s no sign of that here. It’s nice to see something like a Sealion used as the subject instead of the usual culprits, a good selling point in a market where difference is often the make or break factor in a coins success.

Packaged in the same wooden box that CIT have standardised on for a while now, there’s no mistaking the heritage – the Certificate of Authenticity being another giveaway. At $149.99, the coin has debuted at ten bucks more than the 2015 coin, but the spot price has inched upwards lately, so not a huge surprise, and still far cheaper than the other two APMEXclusive series we mentioned earlier,  pretty good considering the tiny mintage. Available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Zalophus, better known as the Sea Lion, is the second issue in the APMEXclusive® 3-Coin North American Predators series. Each 2 oz Silver coin comes in an antique finish and includes a ceramic canine tooth, adding intensity to the primitive sea lion.

Reverse: Features a close-up of a sea lion with his jaws open displaying his teeth and is highlighted by a ceramic canine tooth, inlaid by hand. Obverse: Displays a profile of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as well as the country of issue and face value.

• Contains 2 oz of .999 fine Silver in an antique finish.
• Limited mintage of 500 coins.
• Comes in a wooden box with a certificate of authenticity.
• Sovereign coin backed by the Cook Islands.

This coin is the follow up to the highly successful first in the series Gray Wolf!

SEA-LION

Sea lions are sea mammals characterized by external ear flaps, long foreflippers, the ability to walk on all fours and they have short, thick hair. Sea lions feed on a wide variety of seafood, mainly squid and various fish, and sometimes clams. These predators use their ability to quickly maneuver in the water to catch their next meal. The strength in their massive jaws allows them to forcibly grab and hold onto their prey as they swim through the depths of the coastal waters. Sea lions have been known to cooperate with other predators such as dolphins, porpoises and seabirds when hunting large schools of fish.

Sea lions differ in size, shape and coloration between males and females. Males are typically around 8 feet long and weight up to 700 pounds. Male’s pelage, or fur, ranges from light brown to black. Females are typically around 5.9 feet long and weight up to 220 pounds. Female’s pelage is a tawny brown, but can be temporarily light gray or silver after molting.

Sea lions are highly intelligent mammals. They have demonstrated the ability to understand simple syntax and hand signaled commands. Sea lions have been used in military applications by the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, including detecting naval mines and roping enemy divers. This intelligence makes them a fierce predator for sea life in the coastal waters.

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SPECIFICATION