Gold Ounce 2023 Australia at Night - Flying Fox, Coin from Niue - detailed information

Niue, a sovereign state in free association with New Zealand, uses two official legal tender currencies. The New Zealand Dollar is the circulation currency for daily transactions, while the government also authorises legal tender coins in the Niue Dollar currency for collector's purposes.

A number of mints issue a large variety of commemorative and collector coins under the authority of Niue. These coins are dedicated to historical or general popular culture themes not related to Niue itself. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes - such as one ounce of gold (abbreviated as 1 oz Au, where "Au" comes from the Latin word for gold, Aurum).

Downies says about this coin:
The latest addition to the much-celebrated Australia at Night series is none other than the fabulous flying fox - one of the continent’s most iconic nocturnal inhabitants!

A legal tender window into the fascinating world of this important Aussie animal, the impeccable roof quality design shines a light on the flying fox in splendid detail, with the eye-catching interplay of 99.99% gold and 99.95% platinum.

The only true mammal capable of flight, the flying fox hails from the fruit bat family. There are four species of flying fox native to mainland Australia; migratory animals, they can be found in northern and eastern temperate climates and sub-tropical coastal areas. The flying fox is one of the largest species of bats with a wingspan that can reach up to 1.5 metres. Viewed from up-close, this "mega bat" is disarmingly cute, with a petite canine-like face, large expressive eyes and impressive, leathery wings - all beautifully rendered in this spectacular coin.

Truly worthy of its place in one of our most important collections, the flying fox is crucial to maintaining the health of Australian native forests by spreading pollen and seeds and ensuring cross pollination. Intelligent and highly social, these animals are extremely vocal and can be spotted in many suburban areas roosting in large numbers - with hundreds, or even thousands, hanging upside down from tops of trees.