The fourth and latest in the Royal Australian Mint’s popular Saltwater Crocodile series has been launched and features a near half-tonne lump of walking teeth called Monty. Released in collaboration with the Queensland-based Australia Zoo, a 100-acre setup owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of the late nature star, Steve Irwin. Opened by Steve’s parents Bob and Lyn in 1970, the zoo runs with the philosophy that the zoo animals came first, the zoo team came second, and the zoo visitors came third. In the forty+ years since opening, it’s won a reputation for animal welfare and for helping to popularise environmental concerns throughout the world.

The coin series features some of the most famous crocodiles to inhabit the Crocoseum at the zoo and kicked off with Bindi, named after the Irwin’s daughter, followed by Graham, and then last years Agro Jr. Depicting a more action-orientated image than the previous issues, it’s a different take on the usual crocodile coin and all the better for it. Struck in an ounce of fine silver, the 40mm diameter coin has the usual frosted-uncirculated finish and is limited to a mintage of 5,000 this year, much tighter than the 2015 coin. We don’t doubt that another Monty coin will be along soon as in previous years. This will likely be struck to a proof finish, although a coloured coin has been issued in the past. These tend to carry different designs, so we wouldn’t hold off buying this one if you like it. Mounted on a nicely designed coloured card as usual, the coin is available now for $80 AUD.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

2016 $1 Silver Frosted Uncirculated Coin Australian Saltwater Crocodiles Monty

The fourth crocodile to be featured in the annual Australian Saltwater Crocodiles series, a proud twelve-year collaboration with Australia Zoo. The Australia Zoo family has always seen another side to them with the Crocoseum providing the opportunity for visitors to discover their beautiful, graceful and playful qualities. Monty is one of Australia Zoo’s star crocodiles, who has been treated and raised with love since he was captured in 1975. He has been nurtured over the years, and grown to an amazing 3.7 metres and 400 kilograms. As well as being a star attraction to many Zoo visitors, he also starred alongside Steve and Terri Irwin in the 2002 film The Crocodile Hunter: