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2016 Pitcairn Islands $2 Whales of the Southern Ocean - Sperm Whale 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin, minted by the New Zealand Mint (TAX Exempt)
The sperm whale gets its name from the oil producing organ located in its head known as spermaceti.
An adult male can grow to 18m, weigh up to 63 tonnes and live for 70 years. It has a bluish-grey, or light brown wrinkled skin.
It is the largest type of toothed whale. It feeds on giant squids and its strong teeth are designed for grasping and disabling this slippery prey.
When hunting food, sperm whales can dive to 900m. It is the deepest diving of all whales, spending the longest underwater too (90-140 minutes). It can swim at speeds of up to 37km/h.
Its large, squared head is one third of its body size. Its blowhole directs the "blow" forwards and left about 5m. This "blow" is the most characteristic of any whale.
Sperm whales live in groups called pods. Males are usually solitary. Its conservation status is classified as vulnerable.
INTERESTING FACT
In 1820 the whale ship Essex (87 feet long with a 21 man crew) was repeatedly rammed by a large stricken male Sperm whale and sent to the bottom of the ocean, marooning the crew in a small life boat. This event was the inspiration for Moby Dick.
The Sperm Whale - 1 oz Silver Coin is part of the Whales of the Southern Ocean coin series from New Zealand Mint.
The coin reverse features an engraving of the magnificent sperm whale, with its large square head, set against the blue of the Southern Ocean.
Individually packaged in a perspex coin case, it fits neatly inside its ocean themed outer packaging. The uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity is contained within the packaging.
In keeping with this coin series, the country of issue is Pitcairn - an island group in the South Pacific Ocean.
With a worldwide mintage of only 2,000, this would make a special gift for animal enthusiasts and coin collectors.
- Specifications
Metal: 999 Fine Silver
Weight: 1 Troy oz
Finish: Proof/Coloured
Diameter: 40mm (Nominal)
Edge: Milled
Denomination: $2
Year of Issue: 2016
Mintage: 2,000
Effigy: Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Country: Pitcairn Islands
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