2015 Endangered Species 1 oz. Silver Proof - Pygmy Hippopotamus

Additional Information:

This coin is the fifth release in the “Endangered Species” coin series by New Zealand Mint.

The Pygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis Liberiensis is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa.

A smaller cousin of the Hippopotamus, the Pygmy Hippo is only half as tall and weighs less than one quarter of its weight. Adult Pygmy Hippos may grow up to 80 cm (31 in) in height, and are believed to have diverged from the common Hippo over 10 million years ago. Like its larger cousin, the Pygmy Hippopotamus is semi-aquatic, relying on water to keep its body temperature stable and its skin moisturized.

Pygmy Hippos are nocturnal and reclusive by nature. While some live as pairs, individual male Hippos are also known to wander between territories inhabited by females. Surprisingly, these animals are not aggressive when they meet, tending to simply ignore one another instead.

The Pygmy Hippo is herbivorous, feeding on ferns, broad-leaved plants, grasses and fruits. Most of their time is spent in swamps and near rivers, in order to be near stable sources of food.

It has been estimated that fewer than 3,000 Pygmy Hippos now remain in the wild. These may be primarily found in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Deforestation and periods of conflict over the past decades, has led to a loss of habitat for this unique animal. Alongside this, illegal poaching continues to take place throughout Liberia.

This relief engraved Silver coin shows an endangered Pygmy Hippopotamus in the swamplands of West Africa, with the scene mirrored in the finely engraved water. It has been estimated that fewer than 3,000 Pygmy Hippos now remain in the wild. These may be primarily found in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. The coin comes packaged in a unique wild life wooden crate coin case.

Issued as Niue legal tender, the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2015 year-date and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.

The Endangered Species, Pygmy Hippopotamus 1 oz. Silver coin comes packaged inside a wooden crate coin case and printed outer packaging. Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Call 1-888-726-5558 to place your order by phone and receive discounts when you pay by check or bank wire.