Tuvalu 2014 $1 Remarkable Reptiles – Thorny Devil (魔蜥) 1oz Silver Proof
March 22, 2014Ref: Link
Last year the Perth Mint released the first in a new series of coins called ‘Australias Remarkable Reptiles’. Starting last year with the excellent Frilled Neck Lizard, this series of one-ounce proof silver coins follows the Perth Mints most popular format, a 40mm coloured round in a nice case with a coloured shipper.
The thorny dragon or thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is an Australian lizard, also known as the mountain devil, the thorny lizard, or the moloch. This is the sole species of genus Moloch. It grows up to 20 cm (8.0 in) in length, and it can live for up to 20 years. Most of these lizards are coloured in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans which change from pale colours during warm weather, to darker colours during cold weather. These animals are covered entirely with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified.
The thorny dragon also features a spiny “false head” on the back of its neck, and the lizard presents this to potential predators by dipping its real head. The females are larger than the males. The thorny dragon’s body is ridged in structure, and this enables the animal to collect water from any part of its body. That water is then conveyed to its mouth.
Underpinned by the finest Proof quality, and comprising a troy ounce of pure 99.9% silver, the full-colour appreciation of the Thorny Devil contrasts brilliantly against the lustrous surface of the broad, crown-sized 40.60mm flan.
With the mintage set at just 5,000, and as a must-have for those who have secured the 2013 $1 Frilled Neck Lizard 1oz Silver Proof, there is no doubt that this stunning tribute to the ‘Devil of the Aussie Outback’ will command the attention of collectors across the world.