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The second issue in the Night Animals series features the iconic Eagle Owl. Struck using SmartMinting in one ounce of pure silver, this coin is a whopping 55mm in diameter.
The black proof finish simulates the night sky, between the coat of arms, to give it a great touch. Maximum mintage is 499 pieces.
The American (North and South America) horned owls and the Old World eagle-owls make up the genus Bubo, at least as traditionally described. The genus name Bubo is Latin for the Eurasian eagle-owl. This genus, depending on definition, contains about one or two dozen species of typical owls (family Strigidae) and is found in many parts of the world. Some of the largest living Strigiformes are in Bubo. Traditionally, only owls with ear-tufts were included in this genus, but that is no longer the case.
The Cook Islands is a nation in the South Pacific, with political links to New Zealand. Its 15 islands are scattered over a vast area. The largest island, Rarotonga, is home to rugged mountains and Avarua, the national capital. To the north, Aitutaki Island has a vast lagoon encircled by coral reefs and small, sandy islets. The country is renowned for its many snorkeling and scuba-diving sites. ― Google
Capital: Avarua District
Area: 91.39 mi²
ISO code: COK
Population: 17,459 (2016)
Currencies: New Zealand Dollar, Cook Islands dollar
Official languages: Rarotongan, Pukapukan language, English
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.