One of the most highly regarded series from the New Zealand Mint is its Endangered Species range. These proof struck silver coins depict animals under threat from that most destructive and short-sighted creature to inhabit this planet; humans. The first coin in this series is actually the odd one out. Featuring the Venerable Collared Lizard, the coin was the same proof quality strike on a 1 oz planchet, but in this case it was partly coloured, quite well done in fact. All of the subsequent releases, the Black Rhino, the Bengal Tiger and the Mountain Gorilla, have followed a different path with a new uniform style. In lieu of the colour, the coins are now clean-struck and depict the animal near a body of water which carries a reflection of it.

The new Pygmy Hippopotamus coin doesn’t wander from that style, and is a nice fit for collectors of the series. As usual, a 1 oz fine silver coin of 40mm diameter, there are no surprises with the specification and again, we can see no reason why fans of the series won’t want to add this one to their set. Presented in the mini cargo-style packing crate that goes back to the debut lizard coin, the overall is a nice gift for the nature lover. Selling for $85.00 USD, it’s available to order now and only 2,000 will be struck.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Pygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis Liberiensis is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa.

A smaller cousin of the Hippopotamus, the Pygmy Hippo is only half as tall and weighs less than one quarter of its weight. Adult Pygmy Hippos may grow up to 80 cm (31 in) in height, and are believed to have diverged from the common Hippo over 10 million years ago. Like its larger cousin, the Pygmy Hippopotamus is semi-aquatic, relying on water to keep its body temperature stable and its skin moisturized.

Pygmy Hippos are nocturnal and reclusive by nature. While some live as pairs, individual male Hippos are also known to wander between territories inhabited by females. Surprisingly, these animals are not aggressive when they meet, tending to simply ignore one another instead.

The Pygmy Hippo is herbivorous, feeding on ferns, broad-leaved plants, grasses and fruits. Most of their time is spent in swamps and near rivers, in order to be near stable sources of food. It has been estimated that fewer than 3,000 Pygmy Hippos now remain in the wild. These may be primarily found in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Deforestation and periods of conflict over the past decades, has led to a loss of habitat for this unique animal. Alongside this, illegal poaching continues to take place throughout Liberia.

REVERSE: This relief engraved coin, shows an endangered Pygmy Hippopotamus in the swamplands of West Africa. This scene is mirrored in the finely engraved water.

OBVERSE: This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

PACKAGING: The Endangered Species, Pygmy Hippopotamus 1 oz Silver coin comes packaged in a rustic wooden crate coin case and printed outer packaging.

ADVERTISEMENTS

SPECIFICATION