2019-01-17 Thu

Pobjoy Mint has introduced a new 6-coin series dedicated to flamingos. Each coin in series would feature one of the six known species of this beautiful bird. The coins are being struck for the British Virgin Islands and the first coin in the series features the American Flamingo or Caribbean Flamingo. The coin features a coloured American flamingo standing on one leg and several other flamingos in the background. They have been struck using a light golden coloured metal called as Virenium®, developed by Pobjoy Mint. The obverse side depicts a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The word ‘flamingo’ is derived from the Portuguese/Spanish word ‘flamengo', which literally means ‘flame-coloured’. They generally feed on animal or plant plankton which is rich in carotenoids. That’s the reason why these stunning birds are pink or red in colour. Thousands of flamingos sometimes live together as a flock. The mostly stand on one leg, and the other leg is folded and hidden under their body. The plumage of an American Flamingo is pink o colour, which is why they are also known as ‘rosy flamingo’. The tail features are red, while primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink and white with a long black tip, while its legs are completely pink.

Image Courtesy: Pobjoy Mint

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