Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku, Coin from Fiji - detailed information

Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku, Coin from Fiji
CoinSilver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku

The Fijian Dollar has been the currency of Fiji since 1969, when it replaced the pre-decimal Fijian Pound. It is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively FJ$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies.

Apart from the regular circulating coinage, the country has also authorised some foreign mints to issue commemorative and bullion coins under its jurisdiction. These are typically in standard bullion sizes, such as half ounce of silver (abbreviated as 1/2 oz Ag, where "Ag" comes from the Latin word for silver, Argentum).

This coin is part of a New Zealand Mint series of silver bullion coins featuring a Hawksbill Turtle (Taku), and the first half-ounce issue in the range. The series was issued for Fiji between 2010 and 2013, and for Niue after that.

Hawksbill turtles are found throughout the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Named for their narrow, pointed beak, they are also recognisable by a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their exquisitely coloured shells. This species prefers coastlines and coral reefs where they can find sponges, a primary food source for these omnivores.

Making incredible migrations to move from feeding sites to tropical beaches that serve as nesting grounds, Hawksbill turtles come to New Zealand every year from Fiji. Although they’ve been sighted as far south as Cook Strait, they are mostly seen in the upper North Island of New Zealand in the clear, shallow waters of the island shelve.

Like many sea turtles, hawksbills are a critically endangered species due mostly to human impact. Hawksbill eggs are still eaten around the world despite the turtle’s international protected status, and they are often killed for their flesh and their stunning shells that are highly valuable in some marketplaces.

MintNew Zealand Mint Mint MarkNo mint mark Mintageunknown
Obverse
Fiji / Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku - obverse photo

The obverse of the coin shows at its centre the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a pearl necklace, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait", by Raphael David Maklouf).

The designer's initials are usually incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation when this portrait is used, but they are not displayed here.

Around above, the monarch's legend and the face value: ELIZABETH II · FIJI · TWO DOLLARS. Around below, the date of issue 2012.

It has to be noted that Fiji has been a republic since 1987, so it is not immediately apparent why the Queen is show on the obverse.

Obverse Inscription ELIZABETH II · FIJI · ONE DOLLAR 2012
Reverse
Fiji / Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku - reverse photo

The reverse features a Hawksbill (or Taku) Turtle swimming along the ocean floor amidst tiny bubbles. Around above left, the inscription FIJI TAKU.

Around below, the precious metal content: FINE SILVER .999 1/2 oz (half ounce of 99.9% silver).

Reverse Inscription FIJI TAKU FINE SILVER .999 1/2 oz
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
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Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku: Details
CountryFiji
CurrencyFijian Dollar
Coin TypeSilver Half Ounce (1 oz), Bullion
Issued2012
EffigyQueen Elizabeth II - Third Portrait, by Raphael Maklouf
Face Value1 (x Dollar)
Mintageunknown
CurrentYes
Material0.999 Silver
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size32.5000 mm
Thickness2.700 mm
Mass15.5000 g
OCC IDQRAP-EBNC-XZRW-EYJD
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Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku: Photos
ImageDetails
Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku: Photo 2012 Fiji 1/2 oz Silver $1 Taku BU / thumbnail 2012 Fiji 1/2 oz Silver $1 Taku BU
Copyright: APMEX
Source
Silver Half Ounce 2012 Fiji Taku: Photo 2012 Fiji 1/2 oz Silver $1 Taku BU / thumbnail 2012 Fiji 1/2 oz Silver $1 Taku BU
Copyright: APMEX
Source