2014 Thorny Devil Lizard Silver Coin Second in Reptiles Series
March 23, 2014 by Darrin Lee Unser · Leave a Comment
Australia’s Remarkable Reptiles series from the Perth Mint features its second release with the recent issue of the 2014 Thorny Devil Lizard Silver Proof Coin.
A colored reverse design on the silver coin depicts a single thorny devil lizard in a classic stance. The coin is struck from one ounce of 99.9% pure silver with a maximum mintage of 5,000.
"The thorny devil lizard is covered in many rows of curved spikes with yellow, orange, brown and white markings," describes the Perth Mint on its website.
"This menacing looking creature can change its color according to the amount of sunlight and the surrounding environment. This impressive camouflage technique, combined with its distinctive spikes, provides an effective defense against predators."
The thorny devil lizard is indigenous to Australia and is known by several other names including thorny dragon, mountain devil, thorny lizard, and moloch. It features a "false head" on the back of its neck which it presents to potential predators as a means to protect its real head.
The first silver coin in Australia’s Remarkable Reptiles series features a frilled neck lizard. It made its debut in May of 2013.
Silver Coin Designs, Specifications and Ordering
Shown on the reverse of each coin is a single Thorny Devil Lizard in full color. The reptile is surrounded by a border of exotic reptile skin patterns. "THORNY DEVIL LIZARD" is inscribed below the creature.
Obverses offer the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Inscriptions surrounding the portrait include "QUEEN ELIZABETH II," "1 OZ 999 SILVER," "2014," "TUVALU" and the face value of "1 DOLLAR." Those obverse inscriptions indicate the coins are legal tender in the island nation of Tuvalu.
Thorny Devil Lizard Silver Coin Specifications
Silver Content (Troy oz) | 1 |
Monetary Denomination (TVD) | 1 |
Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 |
Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 31.135 |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 40.60 |
Maximum Thickness (mm) | 4.00 |
Maximum Mintage | 5,000 |
The Perth Mint presents each coin in a wooden presentation case along with a custom designed shipper and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Orders for the 2014 Thorny Devil Lizard Silver Coin may be placed directly with the Perth Mint of Australia at www.perthmint.com.au. An affiliate banner to new Perth silver coins follows:
Perth Mint Website for New Silver Coins
Current pricing for most of the Mint’s once-ounce, 99.9% pure silver coins is AUS $90, or US $81.77. Those prices can change with market conditions.