Description
Metal Silver
Purity 0.999 (99.9%)
Weight 1 Troy Ounce
Diameter 40 mm
Attributes Proof, John Gould Privy Mark, Coloration
Mintage 750
Packaging Presentation Box with Numbered CoA
The silver coin in proof quality was struck from one ounce of 99.9% silver and is dedicated to the rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus). The motive is partially colored and depicts two rainbow lorikeets based on the drawings of British ornithologist and animal painter John Gould. Also included in the design is the inscription “RAINBOW LORIKEET” and the privy Mark “JG” designed in honor of John Gould. The reverse features the Niue coat of arms as well as the denomination, weight, fineness and year of issue.
Born on September 14, 1804 in Dorset, England, John Gould was one of the most famous ornithologists and animal painters of the 19th century. His travels and research resulted in several works on the animal world of Australia, including colorful drawings of the rainbow loris. The medium-sized parrot is characterized by its particularly colorful plumage. In contrast to most bird species, there is no gender-specific difference in the visual appearance of the rainbow loris. Its distribution area is limited to the rainforest along the east coast of Australia, where flocks of up to 1,000 animals congregate and feed primarily on nectar, flower pollen, seeds and small caterpillars. The rainbow lorikeet was one of the parrot species listed in the first edition of “Parrots of the World”, where it was described as one of the most beautiful parrot species. The 1 ounce rainbow lorikeet silver proof coin is delivered in the original box including a numbered certificate of authenticity.
