The 2013 Polar Animals Series is the Royal Australian Mint's fourth animal series, following the popular Ocean, Land and
Sea series. The Polar Series encompasses six, uncirculated coins, each depicting different animals that can be found in some
of the coldest places on Earth; a Polar Bear, Rockhopper Penguin, Humback Whale, Walrus, Weddell Seal, and Atlantic Puffin.
(Royal Australian Mint, 2013)
The series was periodically released in pairs throughout the year in specially designed cards. The Humpback Whale was
part of the second release, along with the Walrus.
(Royal Australian Mint, 2011)
The Humpback Whale can grow to approximately 15 meters and weigh 40 tonnes. The Humpback was relentlessly hunted in the
19th century but since the banning of Whaling their populations have been are recovering.
(Australian Antarctic Division, 2017)
Today thousands of people flock to the Australian east coast to simply watch these magnificent creatures.
Using a colour/pad printing process, the Mint perfectly captures
the characteristic deep colours of this species. The reverse was created
by first striking the coin with a very detailed relief then applying coloured ink to further enhance the design.
(Royal Australian Mint, 2008)
The result is eye-catching with precise, vivid details and intense colour, paying artistic homage to this stunning species.
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley's image of Queen Elizabeth II.
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