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Australia Stag Beetle

2014 One Dollar

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The 2014 Bright Bugs Series is the Royal Australian Mint's fifth animal series, following the popular Ocean, Land, Sea, and Polar series. The Bright Bugs series encompasses six, uncirculated coins, each depicting some of Australia's most interesting insects; the Blowfly, Ulysses Butterfly, Cuckoo Wasp, Stag Beetle, Grasshopper, and Red Bull Ant. The series was periodically released in pairs throughout the year in specially designed cards.

The Rainbow Stag Beetle can be found in northern Queensland and New Guinea. They have incredible metallic colours with the males also having large mandibles that are used for conflict. These mandibles are used mainly as levers in conflict which can lead to combatants being flipped over or even thrown up into the air. (Australian Insect Farm, 2017) The species is popular as a pet and for collectors which has lead to substantial captive breeding. (Minibeast Wildlife, 2017)

Using a colour/pad printing process, the Mint perfectly captures the strong 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. 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.