Israel Mints Red Sea Marine coin series sees its last 2016 and first 2017 release bringing the series past half way.

Coins four and five of the eight that will eventually make up the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation’s (ICMC) Red Sea Marine Life series have debuted, one the final release of 2016 and the other the first of four for 2017. Each closely follows the design of previous issues to date.

Struck in one ounce of fine (0.999) silver and selectively coloured on the reverse face, each depicts one of the myriad species of fish that populate the rich marine environment of the Red Sea. The two new coins depict the Squirrelfish (2016) and the Triggerfish (2017), each as a coloured image against a clean background. Inscriptions seem unnecessarily numerous and include the series name in English and Hebrew, the subject name in both languages, the date, the composition, and the mark of The Holy Land Mint. None are particularly large, but they are peppared all over the face.

The obverse is a typical Palau one, featuring that Oceanic states attractive emblem. The overall design and the official image both hint strongly that the coin is produced by European producer Coin Invest Trust. Packaging is heavily themed for each release rather than for the series as a whole, a nice touch. Mintages are limited to 5,000 for each coin and they sell for $99.00 USD each. Yet to come at bi-monthly intervals are the Daisy Parrotfish, the Klunzingers Wrasse and the Butterflyfish. A collectors box to hold all eight coins was supposed to have appeared, but we’ve yet to see signs of it. The coins are available at site sponsor Powercoin.

SQUIRRELFISH: Squirrelfish live in coral reefs. Bright red in color with silvery-white stripes, they are characterized by their large eyes, rough scales and large spines. They are carnivorous and nocturnal and found in shallow waters, hiding in dark recesses in the reefs during the day.

TRIGGERFISH: The Triggerfish is found in the western Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The name Triggerfish is derived from their ability to use  their second dorsal spine or “trigger” to lock their first dorsal spine. They feed on sea creatures such as crabs, worms and sea urchins, using their tough teeth and jaws. They tend to be solitary but meet at traditional mating grounds at seasons influenced by the moon and tides.