Silver Ounce 2016 Saltwater Crocodile - Monty, 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 Monty the crocodile, who lives at Australia Zoo, and shows it in high relief.

According to RAM, the then-3-foot crocodile named Monty was captured in 1975 from the Townsville boat ramp. After being adopted into Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum, he grew not only in size (to 3.7 meters and 400 kilograms), but in celebrity status. As well as being a star attraction to many zoo visitors, he starred alongside Steve and Terri Irwin in the 2002 film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.