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Porcupinefish Featured on Coins from British Virgin Islands

2019-03-11 Mon

Pobjoy Mint released a new Yellow Titanium Coin featuring a Porcupinefish for the British Virgin Islands. The reverse side depicts an inflated porcupinefish extending its spines. The coin is a part of Pobjoy Mint’s coin-series which celebrates wildlife and marine life from Overseas Territories. Every titanium coin is different in colour because the metal reacts in a different way with each strike. The coins also feature a lined effect due to the metal properties. The obverse side depicts a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Cupro Nickel version of the coin is also available.

The 10 grams Yellow Titanium coin has a diameter of 36.10 millimetres and a mintage limit of 7,500. The 28.28 grams cupro-nickel version has a diameter of 38.60 millimetres and a mintage limit of 10,000. The Titanium coin comes inside an acrylic capsule which is placed inside a red box along with a Certificate of Authenticity. The Unc. Cupro Nickel Coin comes in an exclusive Pouch.

The British Virgin Islands is known for its rich marine wildlife. The porcupinefish is one of more than 400 types of fishes that are found in the area. These fishes are generally found shallow temperate and tropical seas. It inflates its body by swallowing water or air to become larger and rounder. Sharp spines emerge from their bodies while doing so, which protects them from various predators. The porcupinefish swims upside down when it inflates itself due to increased buoyancy.

Image Courtesy: Pobjoy Mint