The fifth coin in the popular Ocean Predators series from the New Zealand Mint has now been launched and heads back to familiar territory by depicting a shark. Debuting back in 2012 with a clever coin depicting the Great White Shark and incorporating teeth marks that penetrated through the coin, the series settled into a more convential design style with the next release, the Hammerhead Shark. After coins depicting the Barracuda and the Giant Squid in 2015, 2016 sees the return to the shark family with the lightning fast Shortfin Mako.
Struck in the same style as previous coins, this is another attractive coin, although the official images try to convince you otherwise. We’ve seen the rest of the series first hand and they’re super coins, and we’ve no reason to believe this one won’t keep up the standard. Presented in the same strange water-filled porthole case as the earlier issues, they make a nice package. It’s a shame that the enhanced obverse that looked so great on the previous Giant Squid coin (image lower down) has not been carried over, and we still miss the teethmarks that made the series so distinctive, but these remain fine nature coins.
Struck in an ounce of fine silver and selectively coloured on the reverse side, the coin is available to order now for $80 USD from the NZ Mint and from their dealers worldwide.
MINTS DESCRIPTION
The Shortfin Mako Shark, may be found in oceans around the globe. The name ‘Mako’ originally came from the Maori language of New Zealand, meaning either ‘shark’ or ‘shark tooth’. This apex predator is a brilliant metallic blue in colour with a distinct white underside, allowing it to camouflage itself when hunting. Prey may include fish, other Sharks, Sea Turtles, Seals, and even Sea Birds. A Mako Shark will hunt from below, before lunging vertically upwards to tear chunks off their prey before they have even been noticed.
The Mako can reach speeds of up to 70 kph (43 mph) due to its streamlined nose and high body temperature, making it the fastest shark species. An average adult specimen will measure 1.5 – 2.5 m (5 – 8 ft) in length, however, larger examples have been caught measuring just under 4 m (13 ft) and weighing 600 kg (1,300 lb).
Mako Sharks will travel thousands of kilometres to seek a mate. They are aggressive predators who will not hesitate to attack when their territory is invaded or they are provoked. There have even been instances of Sharks biting and battering boats.
Mako Sharks can leap up to 6 m (20 ft) out of the water into the air.
REVERSE: This depicts an engraved Mako Shark with mouth open wide to seize its prey. This dramatic image is set within a porthole border design.
OBVERSE: This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
PACKAGING: The Ocean Predators Mako Shark 1 oz Silver coin is packaged in a cylindrical shaped water-filled coin case, characteristics for this coin collection. When opened, the coin and Certificate of Authenticity are displayed.
ADVERTISEMENTS
Leave A Comment