2020 New Zealand 1 oz Silver Chatham Island Crested Penguin BU

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This silver dollar from 2020 highlights a lost creature of the southern seas, the Chatham Island crested penguin. Scientifically classified as Eudyptes warhami, these birds once thrived on the remote archipelago until their disappearance a few centuries ago. Members of this genus are characterized by their striking black and white feathers, bright yellow crests, and vivid red bills and eyes. Among all the crested penguin species, the Chatham Island variety stood out as one of the largest. The reverse of the coin captures two of these magnificent birds set against a turbulent, stormy sky. This central scene is framed by traditional koru patterns, which are stylized spiral shapes representing new life and growth. On the obverse, the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is displayed alongside the year 2020 and the name of the issuing nation, New Zealand. Struck from one ounce of 0.999 fine silver, this brilliant uncirculated coin has a worldwide mintage limited to 25,000 pieces. It serves as a beautiful numismatic tribute to a species that once ruled the rugged shores of the Chatham Islands.