The seahorse is one of the more unusual species of fish found in the oceans off Australia. Its equine shape is so distinctive
that it is often found in children's books and alphabet charts. Not only do they look unusual, they also swim upright which
can lead to exhaustion and death, especially during storms. They have a small fin behind their head that flaps up to 35 times
per second that propels them forwards
(National Geographic, 2014)
. It is a popular and very cute fish that was chosen to be celebrated in this fun and colourful one dollar commemorative
coin. It joins a further five marine creatures to whom tribute has been paid in a similar bold and bright style.
Advanced pad printing techniques have been utlised by the Royal Australian Mint in order to produce such a unique and
original style which has helped to make these coins so popular. This
uncirculated one dollar sea horse coin is intended for collectors with the hope of catching the interest and attention
of a younger audience. This coin is the sixth and final in a series dedicated to Australian ocean life that was released
by the Royal Australian Mint over two years, between 2006 and 2007. The other marine life that accompanied this coin in the
series includes the clown fish, the bottle nosed dolphin, the Biscuit star fish, the Bannerfish and the Great White shark.
Each of the coins were issued individually and were encapsulated and presented on a card with colourful photographs of the
featured marine life as well as fun facts and relevant information.
This particular coin pays tribute to the seahorse and the reverse
designed by Tony Dean, features the strange and fascinating fish in amongst its natural surroundings. The shallow water sea
grasses in which the sea horse is often found is depicted using strong greens and yellows whilst a dark blue is used to represent
the deep sea in the background. The big-bellied seahorse that is featured is very detailed with the shape of the head and
body easily recognisable. Above the coloured image the only legend 1 DOLLAR has been struck into the planchet. The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II as well as
the traditional
legend
found on all Australian 1 dollar coins, which reads ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2007.
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