 |
 |
 |
|
2016 Pitcairn Islands $2 Southern Ocean Whales - Humpback Whale (No Tax)
The name "humpback whale" refers to the high arch of the whale's back when it dives.
Humpback whales can measure 15m, weigh up to 40 tonnes and live for 50 years. It is black on the top, and mottled black and white underneath.
They filter-feed by circling around schools of small fish or krill, making a cylindrical net of bubbles, then lunging in with mouths wide open. A whale can consume 1,361kg of food a day.
Generally a slow swimmer, it can dive to up to 210m but usually for only 6-7 minutes. After diving, its "blow" from its double blowhole is quite characteristic.
It is renowned for its "singing" and acrobatic displays, such as breaching or slapping the surface with its fins, tail or head. Its fins are up to 5m in length, relatively the longest of any whale.
While humpback whales do live in groups (pods), they tend to stay together for only a short time. Their conservation status is classified as least concern.
INTERESTING FACT
Perhaps the most interesting behaviour of humpback whales is their "singing" which can be heard up to 20 miles away. A typical song lasts from 10-20 minutes, is repeated continuously for hours at a time, and changes gradually from year to year. Singing whales are males, and the songs may be a part of mating behaviour. Researchers still are not sure exactly how humpbacks produce their sounds. They don't have vocal cords, so they probably sing by circulating air through the tubes and chambers of their respiratory system.
The Humpback 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 unique humpback whale, with its large pectoral fins, 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: 2016
Mintage: 2,000
Effigy: Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Country: Pitcairn Islands
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
