2021 Australian Dolphin Series - Fraser's Dolphin 1oz .999 Silver BU Coin

2021 Australian Dolphin Series - Fraser's Dolphin 1oz .999 Silver BU Coin

Introduction
These coins are the third instalment in the Royal Australian Mint’s ‘Australian Dolphin Series’ and features the Fraser’s Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), discovered by Francis Fraser in 1956. Complete with brilliant uncirculated finish, the coin’s reverse depicts two Fraser Dolphins designed by Aleksandra Stokic. The coin’s obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark.

History and significance
The Fraser’s Dolphin was only officially discovered in 1956 after Francis Fraser identified the species from a mislabelled skeleton in the British Museum. Distinguishable by its cream and black flank stripes, the Fraser’s Dolphin is stocky in shape with a short beak and small dorsal fins, flippers
and flukes (tail).  Males can reach up to 2.7 metres long and weigh more than 200 kilograms.

Social in nature, Fraser’s Dolphins have been known to travel in pods of up to 1,000 and swim in a high-spirited fashion, creating lots of surface splashes. These dolphins also mix with other species of dolphins and even whales. Found in tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific oceans, the Fraser’s Dolphin dives deep for its food, reaching depths of up to 500 metres. With a diet of mostly fish, this dolphin also fuels itself with squid and crustaceans. While the Fraser Dolphin is still hunted by some countries, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists its conservation status as ‘least concern’.

Features
• Third instalment in ‘Australian Dolphin Series’
• Complete with brilliant uncirculated finish by the Royal Australian Mint
• Guaranteed metal content and quality
• Limited mintage of 25,000 silver coins
• Australian legal tender
• Striking dolphin design by Aleksandra Stokic and effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark

Each bullion coin is presented in a protective acrylic capsule.