Niue 2020 Frilled Neck Dragon Lizard Wildlife Up Close Oz Silver HIGH RELIEF

Description

In Stock and Available for Immediate Shipment!
SOLD OUT at the Mint!
TRULY RARE! Mintage just 750!
Get the third coin in the popular Wildlife Up Close Program
of ultra high relief pure silver proofs!
Get the intimidating display of the Frilled Neck Lizard, struck in one troy ounce
of pure silver, with an antique finish!
The third entry in the Wildlife Close Up Series features a high-relief portrait of Australia's indigenous Frilled Neck Lizard. This large (up to 3 feet in length!), predatory lizard exhibits its trademark behavior in such dramatic fashion that it is well known both within and outside of Australia. When threatened, this dragon-like lizard produces a startling display: it gapes its mouth, exposing a bright pink or yellow lining; it spreads out its frill, displaying bright orange and red scales; raises its body; and sometimes holds its tail above its body! This reaction is used to intimidate and discourage predators, for territorial displays, and during courtship.
This low mintage, one troy ounce pure silver coin presents the dramatic display of the ferocious Frilled Neck Lizard in ultra high relief, with an antique finish! Talk about affordable investments -
the total mintage is just 750!
Get in on the ground floor now with the third in this popular program, Wildlife Close-Up!
The Remarkable Frilled Neck Lizard
The frilled necked lizard (
Chlamydosaurus kingii
), also known as the frilled lizard, frill-neck lizard and frilled dragon, is so called because of the large ruff of skin which usually lies folded back against its head and neck. The neck frill is supported by long spines of cartilage which are connected to the jaw bones. When the lizard is frightened, it gapes its mouth showing a bright pink or yellow lining, and the frill flares out, displaying bright orange and red scales. This display is usually used to discourage predators, as well as in courtship. The lizard is a member of the agamid family which means it a relatively large lizard, growing up to 3 feet in length (91.4 cm). Incredibly, the frill neck lizard is also capable of bipedal locomotion, running on its hind legs!
The frill-necked lizard does not have one standard color. Rather, it is characterized by a body that is darker than its frill. There is only one recorded species of the frill-necked lizard; however, the immense variations of color among the species has lead some scientists to hypothesize more than one species.
Like many lizards, frill-necked lizards are largely insectivorous, feeding on cicadas, beetles, and termites. They especially favor butterflies and moths, even more so their larvae. Though insects are their primary source of food, they also consume spiders, other lizards, and small mammals. Like most members of the agamids (dragons), frill-necked lizards employ an ambush method of hunting, lying in wait for their prey. When the lizards eat, they eat in abundance. These binge periods usually occur during the wet season, when the lizards will ingest hundreds to thousands of alates (ants or termites) in a single meal.
Obverse
A close up portrait of an intimidating frilled neck lizard baring its teeth and exhibiting its frill. The legend FRILLED NECK LIZARD denotes the theme.
Reverse
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl drop earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank Broadley. The legend ELIZABETH II, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious, lacquered clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by an full color outer cardboard box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.
Specifications
Country
Niue
Year of Issue
2020
Face Value
One Dollar
Weight
31.39 g
Diameter
38.6 mm
Mintage Limit
750
Finish
Antiqued Proof
Composition
.999 Fine (Pure) Silver
Edge
Serrated (milled, reeded)
Artist
Ian Rank-Broadley (reverse)
Certificate
Individually Numbered
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