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2020 – Australia At Night: Echidna
Third Coin in this Popular Series
The echidna is no stranger to Australian coinage appearing on Australia’s 5c piece since the inception of decimal currency in 1966.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
Echidnas are small, relatively primitive mammals that are covered with coarse hair and spines, the reason they are sometimes called spiny anteaters. Superficially they resemble the anteaters of South America, and other spiny mammals like hedgehogs and porcupines. They have elongated, slender snouts that have the functions of both the mouth and nose. Having very short, strong limbs with large claws, they are powerful diggers.
Capturing the Echidna feasting on one of its favourite foods – ants – the contrast between the sparkling silver and Black Proof backdrop instantly catches the eye. The echidna is native to Australia and is one of the few mammals that lay eggs.
The obverse of the coin depicts a beautiful echidna, surrounded by vegetation. On top of the reverse, the inscriptions: "AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT" – the name of the series and "ECHIDNA" – the name of the coin.
The reverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the inscriptions: "ELIZABETH II" – the name of the Queen, "NIUE" – the issuing country, "2020" – the year of issue and "ONE DOLLAR" – the face value and "1OZ 999 SILVER" – the weight of the coin and the fineness of the Silver.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
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.