Silver Ounce 2015 Saltwater Crocodile - Agro Junior, High Relief, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian one ounce silver piece (abbreviated as 1 oz and designated with Ag for "silver") is a bullion and commemorative coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country's circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.

Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used.

This coin is part of a Royal Australian Mint series featuring saltwater crocodiles, which was issued in cooperation with Australia Zoo - home of the legendary "Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin. Issued over four years from 2013 to 2016, the series features two different depictions of a crocodile every year.

This issue is dedicated to "the favourite crocodile of the moment, Agro Junior".

The Mint says about it:
Whether you call it the saltwater crocodile, the estuarine crocodile or crocodylus porosus, it is the largest reptile roaming the earth today. Lurking in dark and muddy waters around the northern areas of Australia, they can surprise and terrify a wide range of prey. Anything that flies, swims or roams in its watery region is fair game for this formidable creature.

Since 1988, 37 year-old Agro has lived in the comfort of Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum. This 15 foot wonder was captured from the wild to protect him from the hunters who were stalking his Cattle Creek home. Not only did he find a new home, but he found love with Cookie, a ten-foot lady crocodile who is the calmest and gentlest of crocs in the enclosure.

Agro and Cookie raised a son, Agro Junior, the star of this new collectible coin. This new coin in the Australian Saltwater Crocodile series, and continues a proud collaboration with Australia Zoo. This High relief coin captures Agro Junior in stunning details, to the Royal Australia Mint’s exacting proof standards.