Niue 2022 BARN OWL Australia At Night Full Moon 1 Oz Pure Silver Black in OGP

Description

In Stock and Ready for Immediate Shipment!
SOLD OUT at the Mint!
Owls are popular (as are owl coins), and the very definition of "nocturnal". This latest release in the Australia At Night Program of Black Proofs features the Barn Owl
, struck in one troy ounce of pure silver, with a proprietary black treatment to simulate its dark, nocturnal world!
Talisman Coins is thrilled to bring you the Barn Owl, the highly anticipated seventh release in the ever-popular series that explores Australia’s nocturnal wildlife—Australia at Night! This time we’re unveiling one of the Great Southern Continent’s least-seen birds of prey, captured here with the stunning interplay of the sparkling silver and black proof finish that has become the defining feature of this extremely popular program!
The barn owl lives on every continent except Antarctica and has inspired countless legends around the globe. It's instantly recognizable, with its heart-shaped face, large hypnotizing eyes, long wings, and striking pale colors. It is also a hugely important animal to the first peoples of Australia, depicted widely in aboriginal art and oral tradition, replete with symbolic meaning. Despite being found in most Australian urban and wooded areas, you'll have to be eagle-eyed to spot one under the light of the silvery moon! You'll only catch ghostly glimpses of this beautiful but silent hunter as it swoops down upon its unsuspecting prey. Sleeping in well-camouflaged roosts during the day, its rare late-night call may be the only indication that one is living near you.
You can, however, capture this Australian raptor in one full troy ounce of pure silver. The scene depicts two adult barn owls, the first flying around an outback station (ranch or farm), on the hunt for prey. The other has already returned to the nest with its dinner, an invasive (non-native) rat. The engraving is outstanding, with the owl's individual feathers clearly visible. The pristine velvety black proof finish reflects the Barn Owl's nocturnal environment—a secret and alluring world of mystery in the far reaches of the Outback. The contrast of the shining silver against the black is eye-catching, instantly bringing the wise old owl to life under the light of a full moon!
The Barn Owl—Friend To Farmers
The barn owl is a pale, long-winged, long-legged raptor (bird of prey) with a short squarish tail. However, it's most recognizable feature is its "mask-like" face. It measures between 10 and 18 inches in overall length, with a wingspan of some 30 to 43 inches. Tail shape is a way of distinguishing the barn owl from true owls when seen in flight, as are its open dangling feathered legs. The light face with its heart shape and the black eyes give the flying bird an odd and startling appearance, like a flat mask with oversized oblique black eye slits, the ridge of feathers above the bill resembling a nose.
Hunting nocturnally as well as at dawn and dusk, the barn owl can target and dive down on its prey, penetrating its talons through snow, grass or brush to seize rodents with deadly accuracy. The barn owl feeds primarily on small vertebrates, particularly rodents, but also lizards and birds. Compared to other owls of similar size, the barn owl has a much higher metabolic rate, so it requires more food. Pound for pound, barn owls consume more rodents—typically regarded as pests—than possibly any other creature on earth. Studies show that an individual barn owl consumes at least one, but usually multiple, rodents per night. Significantly, a nesting pair and their young can eat more than 1,000 rodents per year! This makes the barn owl one of the most economically valuable creatures to farmers. Farmers often find these owls more effective than poison in keeping down rodent pests. Towards that end, they encourage barn owl habitation by providing secluded nesting sites.
Contrary to popular belief, the barn owl does not hoot (such calls are made by typical owls, like the tawny owl). Rather, it produces its characteristic shrill scream, which can be ear-splitting at close range. Males in courtship give a sharp twitter. The barn owl can hiss like a snake to scare away intruders, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet to rake its attacker, making for an effective if desperate defense.
Obverse
A pair of adult barn owls, one in flight and one in the nest, under the light of a full moon at an outback station. The scene sports a proprietary black treatment to simulate the nighttime. The legends AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT and BARN OWL denote the theme.
Reverse
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank Broadley. The legend ELIZABETH II, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a full color outer cardboard box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.
Image of the back side of the certificate is mint-supplied and for general reference only. Serial number on image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive!
Specifications
Country
Niue
Year of Issue
2022
Face Value
One Dollar
Weight
31.39 g
Diameter
38.6 mm
Mintage Limit
1,000
Finish
Proof with Proprietary Black Treatment
Composition
.999 Fine (Pure) Silver
Edge
Serrated (milled, reeded)
Artist
Ian Rank-Broadley (reverse)
Certificate
Individually Numbered
Niue
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific. Although it is completely self-governing and independent, it remains in free association with New Zealand, a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, hence the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its coinage. The country is located about 1,450 miles northeast of New Zealand. It is closest to Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. It is one of the largest coral islands in the world, with a total area of 260 square kilometers. Niueans are predominantly Polynesian; most are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English.
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