Animal has been feature in coin since the worlds first coin, Lydian lion coin been introduced. Today I am suggesting a new kids project; animal coins. Kids Project is a suggestion from me, the best and cheap way to start collecting coin for your kids. This hunting project for your kids will only cost around 50 to 100 ringgit and you do not need to start with a big budget. You can give them a small budget every month and go out together for their coin hunting trip. Some of my Kids project you do not to start with any budget at all. Most of them is a circulation coin that you can find in your pocket.
Just make sure every coin that they collect come with a story for your kids to appreciate them more. With animal coins, it will be easy to search for information regarding the animal on the coins. Almost every country has been using animal in their circulation coin. Here are some coins that I have with a story about that animal that I found in wikipedia.
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Canada 1984 5 cents coinWeight: 4.6000 g. Size: 21.2 mm. Comp.: Copper-Nickel
Ruler: Elizabeth II
Obv.: Queen's bust right
Rev.: Beaver on rock divides date and denomination
Photo by: WikipediaThe beaver (genus Castor) is a primarily nocturnal, large, semi-aquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, Castor canadensis (native to North America) and Castor fiber (Eurasia). Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges (homes). They are the second-largest rodent in the world (after the capybara). Their colonies create one or more dams to provide still, deep water to protect against predators, and to float food and building material. The North American beaver population was once more than 60 million, but as of 1988 was 6–12 million. This population decline is due to extensive hunting for fur, for glands used as medicine and perfume, and because their harvesting of trees and flooding of waterways may interfere with other land uses.
Indonesia 1971 25 Rupiah coin3.5000 g., Copper-Nickel, 28 mm.
Obv: Stars flank date below denomination
Rev: Victoria crowned pigeon
Photo by: WikipediaThe Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Goura victoria, is a large, approximately 74cm (29 in) long and weighing up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lb), bluish-grey pigeon with elegant blue lace-like crests, maroon breast and red iris. The bird may be easily recognized by the unique white tips on its crests. Both sexes are similar. One of three superficially similar species of crowned pigeons (the others being the Western Crowned Pigeon and the Southern Crowned Pigeon), the Victoria Crowned Pigeon is distributed in the lowland and swamp forests of northern New Guinea and surrounding islands. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, seeds and invertebrates. The female usually lays a single white egg. There are two subspecies of the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Goura victoria victoria, the nominate race is the smaller of the two subspecies and can be found in Yapen, Biak & Supiori. Goura victoria beccarii is found on the mainland of New Guinea
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New Zealand 1967 20 cents
Copper-Nickel, 28.58 mm. Ruler: Elizabeth II
Obv:Young bust right
Rev: Value below Kiwi bird with sprigs above
Note: Rounded, high relief portrait.
Copper-Nickel, 28.58 mm. Ruler: Elizabeth II
Obv:Young bust right
Rev: Value below Kiwi bird with sprigs above
Note: Rounded, high relief portrait.
Photo by: Wikipedia
Kiwi are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand, in the genus Apteryx and family Apterygidae. At around the size of a domestic chicken, kiwi are by far the smallest living ratites and lay the largest egg in relation to their body size. There are five recognised species - all of which are endangered:
- Great Spotted Kiwi or Roroa, Apteryx haastii, which stands about 45 cm (18 in) high and weighs about 3.3 kg (7.3 lb).
- Little Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx owenii. A docile bird the size of a bantam, it stands 25 cm (9.8 in) high and the female weighs 1.3 kg (2.9 lb).
- The Rowi, also known as the Okarito Brown Kiwi or Apteryx rowi, first identified as a new species in 1994, is slightly smaller, with a greyish tinge to the plumage and sometimes white facial feathers. Distribution of these kiwi are limited to a small area on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
- The Tokoeka, Apteryx australis. It is approximately the size of the Great Spotted Kiwi and is similar in appearance to the Brown Kiwi but its plumage is lighter in colour.
- The North Island Brown Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli or Apteryx australis. Females stand about 40 cm (16 in) high and weigh about 2.8 kg (6.2 lb), the males about 2.2 kg (4.9 lb).
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Philipine 1984 50 sentimos coin
6.0000 g., Copper-Nickel, 25 mm.
Obv: Head of Marcelo H. del Pilar left
Rev: Eagle with talons out Note: Eagle's name: PITHECOPHAGA
6.0000 g., Copper-Nickel, 25 mm.
Obv: Head of Marcelo H. del Pilar left
Rev: Eagle with talons out Note: Eagle's name: PITHECOPHAGA
+PITHECOPHAGA.jpg)
Photo by: Wikipedia
The Philippine Eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, also known as the Great Philippine Eagle, Haribon, or Monkey-eating Eagle, is a bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae and the world’s largest eagle. It is the only member of the genus Pithecophaga and is genetically believed to be most closely related to the snake eagles. The Philippine Eagle has a dark brown back and white underbelly. Its nape possesses long brown feathers that resemble a crest. The bill and talons are large. This eagle is endemic to the Philippines and can be found on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, with most of the population living on Mindanao. It lives in dipterocarp and mid-montane forests, particularly in steep areas.
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Singapore 1969 20 cents coin
5.6500 g., Copper-Nickel, 23.6 mm.
Obv: Value and date
Rev:Swordfish Edge: Reeded
5.6500 g., Copper-Nickel, 23.6 mm.
Obv: Value and date
Rev:Swordfish Edge: Reeded
Photo by: floridafishandhunt.com
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), also known as Broadbill in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill. They are a popular sport fish, though elusive. Swordfish are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood. They reach a maximum size of 177 in. (455 cm) and 1,400 lb (650 kg). The International Game Fish Association's all-tackle angling record for a swordfish was a 1,182 lb (536.15 kg) specimen taken off Chile in 1953. They are the sole member of their family Xiphiidae.
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It is easy to collect animal coins since you can have many animal in your collection. At least 200 country have animal on their coins. You can try changing them in your local money changer or buy them from your local coin dealer. With only 50 ringgit, you can teach your kids how to enjoy a hobby of kings; coin collecting. Do you have idea for Kids project? Share it here with us. I am willing to listen to any idea and question from you.
