First sighted off the east coast of Australia on 28 June, 1991, Migaloo is a fully white male humpback whale, quite a rare sight. He created considerable interest and sighting’s were tracked and reported in the many years that followed, with the last in 2020. That doesn’t mean that something nefarious has happened to him, as migratory paths change, and humpback whales spend a lot of time in the open ocean. He has his own website that tracks his appearances at migaloo.com.au.

It seems that having an individual that captures the public imagination is usually a great way to raise awareness and promote change. The state of Queensland initiated special protections for near albino whales, and whales continue to be one of the most loved and discussed animals on the planet, even if that currently means Orca (Killer Whales) eating boat parts in the Mediterranean!

Melbourne Coins have issued an unusual one-ounce silver coin celebrating Australia’s own white whale. Migaloo is depicted surfacing on the reverse face, neatly bordered with coral, done in a black antique finish. The translucent blue resin does a great job of making the whale look partially submerged. Unusually, the resin infill is present on both faces, and on the obverse, the whale is shown diving. The coin also comes with a 3d-printed tail that is attached to the obverse.

The coin comes boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity, and should be available to pre-order shortly, with delivery expected next month. Only 300 will be minted, a very low number for a one-ounce silver coin.