| Coin | Silver Ounce 2021 Great Horned Owl |
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Tokelau, known previously as the Tokelau Islands, is a dependent territory of New Zealand in the southern Pacific Ocean. It uses the New Zealand Dollar as circulation currency, but has been issuing a variety of non-circulating coins since 1978. These are denominated in dollars or "Tala" (the local word for dollar) and cents.
The country has also authorised some foreign mints to issue non circulating coins under its jurisdiction, such as this 1 oz (one ounce) silver coin.
The Great Horned Owl is the first issue in the APMEX Owls series; it continues the Wisdom of Owls series which started in 2018.
The Great Horned Owl is common in North America and can be found in deserts, wetlands, forests, grasslands and cities. This owl has soft feathers that insulate them against the cold weather and help them fly quietly. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait"). The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Machin and the Gottwald portraits.
In small letters below the head, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley).
Around the effigy is the monarch's legend, the date of issue and the value: ~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2021 ~ FIVE DOLLARS.
Above the value and denomination, divided by the Queen's portrait, the precious metal content: 1 oz. 999 SILVER (one troy ounce of 99.9% silver).
Below the Queen's effigy, the national badge of Tokelau depicting a "tuluma" - a traditional Tokelauan carved wooden “tackle box” used by local fishermen. A cross in the centre of the tuluma and the inscription below, TOKELAU MO TE ATUA ("Tokelau for God") reflect the strong influence of Christianity in Tokelau.
The rim is decorated with a geometric pattern. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin depicts a stylised owl with outstretched wings, facing the viewer.
Around above, the name of the series: OWLS. Around below, the name of the owl type this coin is dedicated to: GREAT HORNED OWL.
The rim is decorated with floral motifs. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
OWLS GREAT HORNED OWL |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated.
Packaging: in capsule, or 20 coins in heat sealed roll.
The coin series was initiated by Australian company Treasures of Oz, and for the first issue the striking of the coins was outsourced to the Mint of Norway. The series then continued in 2021 under the management of American precious metals company APMEX; the coins are struck by 9 Fine Mint, a wholly owned subsidiary of APMEX. |
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| See also |
The Wisdom of Owls series of coins includes:
- 1 oz Silver, Scops Owl, 2018
- 1 oz Silver, Great Horned Owl, 2021
- 1 oz Silver, Northern Pygmy Owl, 2021
- 1 oz Silver, Whiskered Screech Owl, 2022
- 1 oz Silver, Australian Masked Owl, 2022
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