Numismatic

2014 Niue 1 oz Silver Black Rhinoceros PF-70 NGC

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This striking silver coin from 2014 highlights the fragile existence of the Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Struck by the New Zealand Mint as the second entry in the Endangered Species series, this piece contains one troy ounce of 0.999 fine silver. It serves as a poignant reminder of a species that saw its numbers plummet during the latter part of the twentieth century because of illegal poaching. By 1993, a mere 2,300 of these magnificent animals remained in their natural habitats. Fortunately, conservation efforts helped the population recover to an estimated 5,055 individuals across eastern and central Africa by 2013. The reverse side of the coin features a detailed illustration of a Black Rhinoceros sipping from a watering hole, with its likeness reflected in the still water below. On the obverse, the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley is displayed. The inscriptions on the coin include the issuing nation of Niue, the face value of two dollars, and the year 2014. With a maximum mintage of just 2,000 pieces, this coin is a beautifully crafted tribute to wildlife preservation.