2018-05-11 Fri

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory which is situated near the southern coast of Spain. it is known for the Rock of Gibraltar which is one of the pillars of Hercules. The narrow Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates Europe from Africa. The Country issued the second coin in a series of Gibraltar 50p Primate Coins, featuring a chimpanzee.

The coloured Cupro Nickel 50 pence coin depicts an adult chimpanzee with an infant chimpanzee on the reverse. Other inscriptions include the word Chimpanzee and the denomination value “50”. The obverse depicts a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, year of issue 2018, country name and the text Elizabeth II D.G. Regina. This 8 grams coin has a mintage limit of 7,500 pieces.

Chimpanzees are generally found in Africa and live in groups of 15 to 20. It is considered to be a species of great ape and is very close to human beings. They follow a strict hierarchy and make tools out of sticks, rocks, grass and leaves to find or consume honey, termites, ants, nuts, and water.

Habitat destruction, poaching, and disease have led to the diminishing numbers of chimpanzees. They are also mentioned in the International Union of Conservation of Nature Red List as an endangered species.

Image Courtesy: Pobjoy Mint