The Perth Mint has released the ninth coin within the Deadly and Dangerous series, which features Australia’s Spider-Hunting Scorpion.
The Spider-Hunting Scorpion can be found across the southern half of Australia, usually in dry inland areas. This scorpion has evolved to specialize in preying on wolf spiders and other species that utilize a burrow with a trap door. The creature’s long, thick tail and powerful stinger make the perfect weapon in the confined space of a spider burrow.
The reverse design of the coin features a colored depiction of the Australian Spider-Hunting Scorpion resting on grass and gravel as it preys on a stuck spider. The inscription above reads “Australia’s Spider-Hunting Scorpion”.
On the obverse is the Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the monetary denomination and 2014 date. The coins are issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu.
Each coin is struck in 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver to proof quality. The maximum mintage is 5,000 pieces. The coins are presented in a display case with illustrated shipper and numbered certificate of authenticity.
The Perth Mint product page for the 2014 Spider-Hunting Scorpion 1 oz silver Proof Coin can be found here.
Previous releases for the series, which are no longer available for sale, have featured:
- Red-Back Spider
- Great White Shark
- Blue Ringed Octopus
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Eastern Brown Snake
- Australia’s Box Jelly Fish
- Funnel Web Spider
- Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake
Hidalgo says
I really like this coin. It is one of the best in the “Deadly and Dangerous” series. I understand that, based on publicity, it is a coin that will likely be in demand.
fmtransmitter says
Previous releases for the series, which are no longer available for sale, except on secondary markets…
G says
I’m really excited about this one. This is the only perth series other than the mythology sereis that I’m currently collecting (the occasional lunar coin proofs as well)- and I think that when the Perth mint is back in favor this will go down as their best series.
Koichi Ito says
Just like minting commemorative coins for Buffy Summers of “Buffy the vampire slayer”? So we should name this scorpion “Scorpi the spider slayer” or “Buffy the spider slayer”?
Louis says
French FIFA curved soccer coin arriving today! I like the way you can put a foreign tracking # in the USPS system once it reaches our shores.
Richard in Atlanta says
Louis, I received two of the FIFA coins over the weekend and they look great. The WTEs are nice as well. Love your columns and comments. I’m new to the hobby but have been a long time lurker. Waiting on my 2009 French 40th Annivesary Astronomy coin to arrive. I wanted to have one of the curved coins that started it all in my small collection!
Louis says
Thanks a lot, Richard. Looks like my FIFA will actually be here tomorrow.
I took too long to decide on the astronomy coin on e-Bay and you must have snagged it!
There is also a 2014 French space coin you may want to check out. There is a post here
about it.
Zeeman says
Did anyone got there 5oz WTE from downies? Thanks
Richard from Atlanta says
Louis,
Thanks for the tip on the space coin and sorry about the Astronomy coin! I thought a curved coin collection would be a great way to start with that coin, the FIFA, the 2012 Australia CRUX Southern Sky, and the HOF Baseball coins. Who knew the Southern Sky would be so expensive. I’m holding out on that one until I can afford it.
Richard from Atlanta says
Zeeman,
Ordered my 5oz WTE and a 1oz proof from Direct. I missed out on the ones Downies had.
Louis says
Mail lady had one last package- mine! The world’s oldest mint does it again. Great curved coin. Beautiful art work.
@Richard- No worries. I will get the 2009 coin another time.
Louis says
Wow! Just saw current prices for the 1st southern crux. I got one when it first came out for a little over $100. Now they are $400.
VA Rich says
I don’t believe Downies has received their allotment yet, I know 05 May orders have not shipped
fmtransmitter says
Nice Louis, I love that coin, very well done!
fmtransmitter says
Still think a soccer ball on obverse and arena on reverse would of been the way to go…
Ikaika says
Just got a notification from the RCM about the music box coin. Price is not bad if you consider the music box alone. Will pass on this offer since I deslike the coin.