2018-01-22 Mon

Pobjoy Mint released a new 2018 £2 coin for British Indian Ocean Territory featuring the gentle Giant Manta Ray. Even though these fishes are huge in size, they have a graceful nature. The coin features a Manta Ray swimming over a coral-covered ocean floor along with some remoras. The coin is also available in a titanium version which has a dark blue colour.

These creatures are generally found in warm waters. They have triangular pectoral fins, horn-shaped cephalic fins, and gaping forward-facing mouths. They feed on zooplankton by swimming open-mouthed. These huge Rays do not attack human beings, unlike the dangerous Sting Rays that can kill humans with its venomous sting. Manta rays are victims of overfishing. They get tangled in nets, as they cannot swim backward. They drown after they are entangled because they need to flush oxygen-rich water over their gills.

Each titanium coin is unique as the metal reacts differently with every strike. A unique lined effect is also produced on the coins. The 10 grams titanium £2 coin has a mintage limit of 7,500 pieces and each coin can be purchased for $59. The 28.28 grams copper-nickel version has a mintage limit of 10,000 pieces and each coin costs $16.95. The titanium coin comes in an acrylic capsule enclosed in a red box. It also comes along with a certificate of authenticity.