This pure silver dollar depicts a pair of duck-billed platypuses in their natural habitat. These bizarre, egg-laying mammals are attractively minted in one full troy ounce of pure silver, with a frosted cameo proof color finish. The platypus is indisputably the oddest animal in Australia, and arguably anywhere on earth. The bizarre appearance of this egg-laying, venomous, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they saw the first specimens from Australia-some even considered it an elaborate hoax! It is one of the few venomous mammals-the male platypus has a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognizable and iconic symbol of Australia. A Stunningly Realistic Design. The naturalistic design depicts an adult duck-billed platypus diving into a river, while its partner watches from the bank. Meticulously and realistically rendered, the frosted cameo proof animals are so detailed that individual hairs can be discerned. The Bizarre Duck-Billed Platypus. Platypuses are amazing creatures, found only in Australia. They live beside freshwater rivers and lakes, where they create burrows for shelter and protection. Nocturnal creatures, they are most active at night. The platypus has a number of different Aboriginal names, including boondaburra, mallingong and tambreet. In traditional Australian culture, the platypus occupies a very special, almost sacred, role, and is one of the few animals that it is considered taboo to hunt or eat. The platypus appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of the Australian 20 cent coin. The platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales. Is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. It is the sole living representative of its family. , though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record. Until the early 20th century they platypus was hunted for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. Although captive breeding programs have had only limited success and the platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat of extinction. An adult duck-billed platypus dives into a river while its partner watches from the bank. Meticulously and realistically rendered, the engraving is so detailed that individual hairs of the platypus can be discerned. The legend AUSTRALIAN PLATYPUS indicates the theme. 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. 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. The image of the back side of the certificate is a mint-supplied image intended for general reference only. The serial number in the image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive! 999 Fine (Pure) Silver. Ian Rank Broadley (reverse).