Still powering on after two decades, Downies Collectables ‘Deadly & Dangerous’ series of coloured proof coins continues with a 20th annual release. It says something about the general malevolence of Australian wildlife that a series depicting it can still be going strong for so long, but there are still plenty of unsung villains still not covered.

The latest addition is another snake, the fifth to date, and a particularly deadly one at that. This beautiful animal has a potent bite, delivering around ten times the venom in a single bite needed to kill a human. It’s a first-class depiction, with the colour expertly chosen and applied. The Tiger Snake looks well nestled in its habitat. I really like this one, but it’s a series that has always had a high standard of artwork on it.

There’s a one-ounce gold, and a one-ounce silver, and unusually, they’re issued for different countries, with the gold for Niue, and the Perth Mint struck silver for Tuvalu. The reverse face designs remain identical. A nice addition to a series that was once the most sought after on the market. Check out the whole range in our full Coin Series Profile.