| Coin | Silver Ounce 2021 Northern Pygmy 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, and has also authorised some foreign mints to issue bullion coins under its jurisdiction - including in the internationally popular silver ounce format.
The Northern Pygmy Owl is the second issue in the APMEX Owls series; it continues the Wisdom of Owls series which started in 2018.
The Northern Pygmy Owl is common in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The northern pygmy is a one of the smaller species of owls, but is a fierce hunter. They are mostly dark brown and white with long tails. They have smooth rounded heads with piercing yellow eyes. |
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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 perched on a branch, facing the viewer.
Around above, the name of the series: OWLS. Around below, the name of the owl type this coin is dedicated to: NORTHERN PYGMY OWL.
The rim is decorated with floral motifs. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
OWLS NORTHERN PYGMY 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, Tokelau 2018
- 1 oz Silver, Great Horned Owl, Tokelau 2021
- 1 oz Silver, Northern Pygmy Owl, Tokelau 2021
- 1 oz Silver, Whiskered Screech Owl, Tokelau 2022
- 1 oz Silver, Australian Masked Owl, Tokelau 2022
- 1 oz Silver, Stygian Owl, Chad 2024
- 1 oz Silver, Eastern Screech Owl, Chad 2024
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