Downies continues its attractive ‘Australia At Night’ nature coin series with a 12th issue, the Bottlenose Dolphin

Coin series featuring the natural world, especially wildlife, have remained an extremely popular genre in modern numismatics. Virtually every producer has issues with this theme, and there are several series with releases in double figures. The genre is articularly well served by producers in Australasia, especially Australia itself, where Downies resides. Downies are responsible for Deadly & Dangerous’, one of the oldest ongoing nature coin series, now 20 issues old, but also this one, which has now hit 12 issues, and in only eight years. Called ‘Australia at night’, it portrays the wildlife of this continent in nocturnal moments. That doesn’t mean only nocturnal creatures, although some are, just that they’re depicted in a darkened environment.

The latest release is this very attractive Bottlenose Dolphin design, the first time an oceanic animal has featured. An adult and a calf are depicted swimming by a coral reef, and in the background is the series signature full moon, An elegant design, it’s enhanced by the other signature feature of ‘Australia at night’ – the black proof finish, with clean proof highlights. It’s a terrific combination, creating high contrast, but leaving no doubt it’s a nocturnal scene.

The proof gold coin exhibits a similar level of contrast, but here, the highlights are created by selective platinum plating. Again, it’s very attractive, although perhaps less successful at replicating the night. The obverse of both is a simple effigy of King Charles III, along with the issue inscriptions.

Both variants come very nicely presented in those gloss black boxes we like, and in themed outer shippers. Neither has a high mintage, with just 1,000 silver, and 150 gold being struck. The former is particularly low for a one-ounce coin. As nature coins go, we’d consider this to be one of the best series ongoing today, and we hope it continues. It’s one I’ve started a Coin Series Profile on, but it’s still in with a group of other unfinished ones at present. The Bottlenose Dolphin at night is available to order now.