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.
The 2022 Dusky Dolphin proof high-relief silver ounce coin is the fourth design in the Royal Australian Mint's Australian Dolphin Series.
The dolphin is a beloved animal depicted in many cultures, and is also native to Australian waters. In various cultures, the dolphin symbolises happiness, power and protection. Dusky dolphins are one of the smallest species of dolphins, and are typically found in shallow, cooler waters and have a dark grey back and tail. They spend the majority of their time close to shore in small groups of 10 to 20 dolphins, however they travel further away from shore to feed in pods of up to 1,000 dolphins. These highly intelligent animals enjoy leaping and are incredibly social. |