2014 Endangered Species 1 oz. Silver Proof - Black Rhinoceros

Additional Information:

This coin is the latest release in the “Endangered Species” coin series by New Zealand Mint.

In the early 20th century the Black Rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis, was the most plentiful of all Rhino species across the African continent. Between 1970 and 1992, their numbers were severely reduced by over 95% due to organised poaching and black market demand for their horns. By 1993, only 2,300 survived in the wild. Intensive anti-poaching efforts over recent years have had encouraging results, however, the increase in numbers is slow. In 2013, the IUCN estimated that approximately 5,055 Black Rhinoceros live in Eastern and Central Africa.

The Black Rhino lives primarily in savannahs and tropical bush lands. Females and sub adults are social animals, however, bulls are typically solitary. Adult Rhinos have no natural predators, thanks to their imposing size, their thick skin, and deadly keratin horns which can measure up to 50 cm (20 in) in length. Black Rhinoceros live for up to 35 years in the wild and mother a calf every 3 years. An adult stands between 1.3 and 1.8 metres (4.3 - 5.9 ft) in height at the shoulder, and typically weighs from 800 to 2,000 kilograms (1,800 to 4,400 lb). Despite its size, the Rhino is extraordinarily fast, reaching speeds of 56 kilometres per hour (35 mph).

This relief engraving captures a delightful vista of the African grasslands. In the foreground, an endangered Black Rhinoceros dips its head to drink from a water hole. The scene is mirrored in the finely engraved water.

Issued as Niue legal tender, the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2014 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.

The Endangered Species, Black Rhinoceros 1 oz Silver coin comes packaged inside a crate-shaped inner coin case, which sits inside a rhino-skin textured outer packaging. Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

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