Silver Ounce 2025 Flame Angelfish, Proof, Coin from Pitcairn Islands - detailed information

The Pitcairn Islands is a non-sovereign British overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean. Having a population of fewer than fifty people, the territory has no need for local coinage and uses the New Zealand dollar as a medium of exchange. Pitcairn Islands began issuing its first commemorative coins in 1988. Though the Pitcairn Islands dollar is not a true currency in the strict sense of the word and is not used as a circulation coinage, it can be lawfully exchanged as tender and is considered a variety of the New Zealand dollar (although it is not legal tender in New Zealand). The Pitcairn Islands dollar exists only because of the coin collecting market, which provides a major staple for the tiny island nation.

The coins are struck by various foreign mints and use internationally popular formats, such as the one troy ounce (1oz) of silver. Some of them are released at prices much higher than their intrinsic value - such as this one - so are classified as Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) (for those sold at a low margin, see the bullion silver ounce section instead).

This design is the third release in the Marine Life Series issued by the Tower Mint for the Pitcairn Islands, and features the Flame Angelfish.

The mint says about it:
Home to one of the world’s largest marine reserves, the Pitcairn Islands underwater world contains a wealth of colourful sea life celebrated in this strictly limited collection of legal tender coins for enthusiasts and collectors to treasure.

Known for its vibrant colors and graceful movement, the Flame Angelfish is a popular species among both divers and marine enthusiasts. Its body is a brilliant reddish-orange, adorned with vertical black bars running along its sides, and the fins often display hues of electric blue or purple, making it a visually captivating inhabitant of the coral reefs within the reserve.

Often darting into crevices or hiding among the coral when approached, this shy and elusive fish plays an essential role in the reef ecosystem, feeding on algae and helping to control the health of the corals.