Silver Plated Coin 5 Oz Apex Predators - Crocodile vs. Shark 2022 Proof

Apex Predators - Crocodile versus Shark - 5 Oz

This beautiful silver and partly gold-plated coin issued by the State of Niue for 2022 in the purest 99.9% silver weighing 5 Oz (155.5 g) in top proof quality offers an original take on the fierce life of the Apex Predators by depicting the battle between two of their feared representatives - the crocodile versus the shark.

The reverse of the coin depicts a unique scene of a crocodile and shark encounter. The open mouths of the adversaries offer a glimpse of deadly jaws full of sharp teeth. The main motif of the animals is left in matte silver and contrasts effectively with the surrounding coral reef environment against a shiny gilded background.
It may seem that the living space of the crocodile and the shark do not intermingle much, but this is not the case. The saltwater crocodile, the largest of the species and the largest reptile on earth, lives off the coast of the vast area of land and islands between India and Australia. The shark, on the other hand, is no exception in the brackish waters at the mouths of rivers where freshwater and seawater mix.
Compared to both predators, the crocodile is undoubtedly the stronger competitor, aided by its armoured skin. If it attacks a smaller shark off the coast, it is the clear winner. In shallow water, the shark loses its manoeuvring advantage. The robust crocodile is matched only by the great white shark in the open sea. In deep water, the shark will use its speed as well as its huge jaws, which allow it to bite into any part of the crocodile's body. In contrast, the mouth of the crocodile is not large enough for this species. Interestingly, the difference in jaw clenching between the two predators is also multifold, which corresponds to their method of hunting. The great white shark is reported at around 1.1 tonnes, but the saltwater crocodile at a record 2 tonnes.

The obverse displays a portrait of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with the initials of the artist Ian-Rank Broadley, the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "NIUE 2022", the face value "TEN DOLLARS" and weight and purity information.

The coin comes in a deluxe wooden box along with a certificate of authenticity, the serial number of which is repeated on the edge of the coin. The mintage is limited to 500 pieces for the whole world!

This product is part of the following product sets: