Posts Tagged ‘black’
4th April
2026

A pair of Greater Bilbies forage under the full moon on this dramatic nocturnal wildlife vignette. One troy ounce of pure silver, with a proprietary black proof finish that simulates the Bilby’s nighttime desert habitat! If history is anything to go by, this 13th release in the AAN program will not last long. Make one or more yours today. We’re thrilled to bring you the latest wildlife masterwork in the wildly popular Australia at Night program. These gentle desert-dwelling marsupials are depicted foraging in the arid outback. The light of the full moon overhead illuminates the scene. The Greater Bilby is a nocturnal marsupial that loves to feast on insects, spiders, bulbs and fruit. Popularized in modern Australian lore as a native alternative to the Easter Bunny because of its oversize, rabbit-like ears, this beloved little Aussie hears very well and is a natural subject for the Australia at Night Series. Once found throughout Australia, the Greater Bilby is now threatened, inhabiting only 10% of its former range and restricted to two distinct pockets in the northwest and central regions of the outback desert, as a result of habitat destruction, disease and introduced species. Superbly struck and detailed, with an alluring black proof finish, this bilby family is limited to a mintage of just 1,000. Like every previous release in the Australia at Night wildlife program. The Greater Bilby Pure Silver Black Proof is destined to sell out. For previous issues in the Australia at Night program. The mint-supplied photos are great, but this beauty looks even better in hand! Multiple levels of black proof finish make the bilbies and full moon really stand out! , often referred to simply as the bilby, is a long-eared, rabbit-like mammal native to Australia. It lives in burrows and is active at night, feeding on insects, fruit, roots, and fungi. The bilby is a marsupial and carries its young in a pouch. The Greater Bilby is commonly now simply called the bilby (or bilbies for plural), after its smaller cousin, the lesser bilby. , was driven to extinction in the 1950s. Threats include habitat loss, disease, and introduced predators such as foxes. Formerly widespread, greater bilbies are now restricted to arid parts of northwestern and central Australia. It is now classified as a threatened species. Save the Bilby Fund CEO Kevin Bradley estimated in December 2021 that the species had been reduced to just 10% of its original range, which once covered 70% of the Australian continent. Haigh’s Chocolates in Adelaide made 950,000 chocolate bilbies between 1993 and Easter 2020, with proceeds donated to the Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia, which does environmental work to protect the indigenous biodiversity of Australia. Greater bilbies have the characteristics of long bandicoot muzzle and very long ears. They are about 29-55 centimeters (11-22 in) in length. Compared to bandicoots, they have a longer tail, bigger ears, and softer, silky fur. The size of their ears allows them to have better hearing as well. At 1 to 2.4 kilograms (2.2 to 5.3 lb), the male is about the same size as a rabbit; although male animals in good condition have been known to grow up to 3.7 kilograms (8.2 lb) in captivity. The female is smaller, and weighs around 0.8 to 1.1 kilograms (1.8 to 2.4 lb). Bilbies have an excellent sense of smell and sharp hearing. Their fur is blue-gray with patches of tan and is very soft. The tail is black and white with a distinct crest. The bilby makes its home in a burrow that spirals down, making it hard for its predators to get in. Unlike bandicoots, they are excellent burrowers and can build extensive tunnel systems with their strong forelimbs and well-developed claws. An adult bilby typically makes several burrows within its home range, even up to a dozen. It moves between them, using them for shelter both from predators and the heat of the day, as they are nocturnal. The female bilby’s pouch faces backward, which prevents her pouch from getting filled with dirt while she is digging. The bilby prefers arid habitats because of the spinifex grass and acacia shrubs. This dramatic nocturnal wildlife vignette depicts a pair of Greater Bilby marsupials foraging in the cooling outback desert under a full moon. The scene features a proprietary black proof finish to simulate the nighttime. The legends AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT and GREATER BILBY denote the theme. His Majesty, King Charles III, in profile effigy facing left. This portrait was executed by the engraver Jody Clark. The legend CHARLES III, 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. 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! Proof with Proprietary Black Proof Finish. 999 Fine (Pure) Silver. Niue is an 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 the British monarch on most of 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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22nd March
2026



What’s all the. This gorgeous, MUST-HAVE rarity is the bee’s knees! Combining a black proof finish with 24-karat gold plating, and struck in one full troy ounce of pure silver, these honey bees buzz about, alighting on flowers and tending to the hive’s honeycomb! Mintage of just 350 guarantees rarity and desirability now and in the future. Hottest coin of the year? The honey bee, found the world over, is an important pollinator-bees pollinate our crops, from fruit trees and vegetables to cereal crops. They also make honey. To create one pound of honey, the workers of a beehive must collect nectar from approximately one million flowers-an astonishing number that means that the honey bee plays a critical role in natural and commercial plant propagation. This one troy ounce proof coin combines precious gold plating with pure silver and a black proof finish to salute this invaluable insect friend. A Gorgeous, Dynamic Design. In the foreground, a honey bee alights on a flower to collect nectar, while two of its hive mates buzz through the air searching for more. Meanwhile more worker bees tend to the hive, the honeycomb dripping with liquid gold. The letters that spell out “Honey Bee” are hidden within the honeycomb. The Honey Bee: Amazing Insect Engineer-And Dancer! , found the world over, is an important pollinator-they pollinate our crops, from fruit trees and vegetables to cereal crops. They also make honey (duh). But the honey bee’s amazing talents extend far beyond this vital task. Bees have a rigidly organized social structure that enables them to build and supply a living environment whose internal symmetry has been the envy of mathematicians for thousands of years. The colony itself is composed of three groups: workers, drones, and the queen. Scouted in advance by worker bees, hive locations tend to be in the cavities of trees, but also of rocks and occasionally in hollows of buildings and other man-made structures. Once the location is selected, the bees work together to build their new home before escorting their queen there. Beginning at the top of the cavity, the bees construct their hive comb by comb, layer by layer. The upper part of the hive is reserved for honey storage. Pollen is stored in the rows of cells beneath this. Lower down are the cells where new workers and drones are bred. The queen’s quarters are at the bottom. The beehive, home to the honeybee, is built around an amazing structure, the honeycomb. This superb construction is a mathematically perfect matrix of hexagons that optimizes spatial coverage while minimizing the amount of construction material required for building-a feat of engineering efficiency that is virtually unmatched in the animal kingdom! The hive is composed of parallel honeycomb layers made of hexagonal cells that are one of nature’s most mathematically precise animal-built constructions. The individual cell walls are formed from secreted wax that is arranged into perfect hexagons whose six walls, each of exactly the same width, meet at precisely 120 degrees. The cells themselves are angled slightly upwards to help contain the honey, pollen, larvae, and eggs they are made to hold. The legend HONEY BEE, hidden within the honeycomb, indicates the theme. His Majesty, King Charles III, in profile effigy facing left. This portrait was executed by the engraver Jody Clark. The legend CHARLES III, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 5 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. Serial number on image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive. Due to the number of inquiries we receive, and the wholesale disposition of our firm, serial number queries can not be fielded, we’re sorry. Honey Bee & Hive. Purchaser will be required to provide identity and address verification. Black Proof with Selective 24-Karat Gold Plating. 999 Fine (Pure) Silver.
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27th January
2026
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20th January
2026


The product is a 2023 1 oz. 999 Silver Black Proof coin from Niue featuring a design of a flying fox bat at night. This silver coin has a fineness of 0.999 and a precious metal content of 1 oz. It is uncertified and struck in proof quality, making it a desirable addition to any coin collection or investment portfolio. The unique design and limited mintage of this coin make it a valuable and sought-after piece for collectors and investors alike. This coin comes in a plastic capsule in a display case with Certificate of Authenticity #548 of 1000 and in an outer box.
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9th January
2026



Struck in 2 full troy ounces of pure silver with a mintage of only 299, Black Proof Finish lends a. Dark and foreboding air to the this depiction of the classic of Gothic horror that is Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”! Truly rare, with an ultra-low mintage of just 299! One of the seminal works of Gothic fiction as well as American literature, “The Raven” tells the story of a mysterious raven’s midnight visit to the narrator, mourning the loss of his beloved Lenore. In 2025 we mark the 180th anniversary of its first release in 1845. We are thrilled to bring you The Raven 2025 2 Oz Pure Silver Black Proof! This haunting work of numismatic art brings “The Raven” to life, capturing the essence of one of the best known pieces of horror literature, written by Edgar Allan Poe. Author, poet and critic, and a key figure in American Romanticism and Gothic Horror, Poe is one of the most famous figures of American literature. In his short life, Poe made crucial contributions in an array of literary fields, including science fiction, detective stories, and, of course, tales of mystery and the macabre. One of his most famous works, “The Raven”, was first published in January 1845. This narrative poem tells a tale of death, loss, grief and eternal devotion. “The Raven” describes the laments of a young scholar, who, reeling from the death of his lover Lenore is visited by a raven who talks, albeit with an extremely limited vocabulary. The bird can croak only the single word “Nevermore, ” which becomes the refrain of the poem. The work propelled Poe to stardom, and remains one of the world’s most famous, most read, and most anthologized poems to this day. The large 2+ inch diameter planchet plays host to a detailed depiction of the raven and the bust statue of Pallas Athena, located above my chamber door. Bringing a dark, foreboding edge to an unforgettable commemorative issue, the use of the deep, rich Black Proof finish is an inspired touch. This numismatic work of art has a strictly limited mintage of a mere 299 coins! “The Raven” is a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe. First published in January 1845, the poem is often noted for its supernatural atmosphere, musicality, and stylized language. It tells of a distraught lover who is paid a nocturnal visit by a mysterious raven that repeatedly speaks the single word Nevermore. The lover is lamenting the loss of his great love, Lenore. Sitting on a bust of Pallas Athena, the raven antagonizes the young man with its repetition of the word Nevermore. The poem employs folk, mythological, religious, and classical references, making it a tour-de-force that is accessible to the average reader. Edgar Allan Poe was a writer, poet, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales involving mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as one of the central figures of Gothic fiction in the United States and an icon of American literature. Poe was one of the USA’s first successful practitioners of the short story, and is generally considered to be the inventor of detective fiction. In addition, he is credited with contributing significantly to the emergence of science fiction. He is the first well-known American author to earn a living by writing alone, which resulted in a financially difficult life and career. Poe lived the life he wrote about, and in turn his life experiences are reflected in his works. His wedding to Virginia Clemm in 1836 raised eyebrows for several reasons. Not only was she his first cousin, she was also only 13 at the time of their marriage! Virginia had been named after her dead older sister, who had passed away at the age of two years just ten days before Virginia herself was born! The disease and eventual death of his wife Virginia had a substantial and serious effect on Edgar Allan Poe, who became despondent and turned to alcohol to cope. Watching her struggles with illness and eventually death affected his poetry and prose, where dying young women appear as a frequent motif, as in “The Raven”, “Ligeia” and “Annabel Lee”. Famous for his moody, atmospheric horror fiction, especially his short stories, Poe gained even more notoriety upon his unexplained death at the young age of 40. The cause of his mysterious passing remains unknown and has been attributed over the years to many causes, including disease, alcoholism, substance abuse, and suicide. Born in Boston, Poe is most associated with the city of Baltimore, Maryland, so much so that Baltimore’s NFL Team is named the Ravens. And it’s a raven that sits carved atop Poe’s grave marker in Baltimore. The titular Raven, perched next to the bust of Pallas Athena, cries NEVERMORE. The skull in the arch above our raven is a creepy touch. His Majesty, King Charles III, in profile effigy facing left. This portrait was executed by the engraver Jody Clark. The legend CHARLES III, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 2 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious clamshell-style wooden 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. Serial number on image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive! 999 Fine (Pure) Silver.
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16th December
2025

1 oz Gold Bars. Proof & Mint Sets. 2025 Niue 1 oz Silver Chess Queen Black Proof (with Box & COA). Photos in this listing may or may not be stock photos. The photos are meant to be an indication of the product you will receive. Contains 1 oz of. Mintage of 999 coins. Comes in a box along with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Obverse: Displays the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. Reverse: Features the Queen who is adorned with robes with a checkered pattern of a chess board. She is holding a fan composed of a series of Queen Chess pieces. Sovereign coin backed by Niue government. This sensational black poof is destined to divide the queens from the pawns. Add this Chess Queen coin to your cart today! Find Unique Silver Coins at APMEX In addition to the most popular silver coins on the market, APMEX also carries more unique silver pieces. Ideal for collectors looking for the perfect new addition to their collection. These eclectic silver items range in size and shape, and feature an array of stunning designs. These products are special not only because of their Precious Metal content, but also for their unique designs and subject matter. If you are looking for a niche addition to your collection, find it at APMEX. This is not a photo of the actual item.
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1st December
2025
The 2026 Niue 1 oz Silver Black Proof Coin Chess Rook is a beautifully crafted silver coin featuring a chess rook design. This coin is made of 0.999 fine silver and comes with a box and Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Minted by Downies Collectibles and certified by the mint, this limited edition coin has a diameter of 38.8mm and is officially recognized as legal tender in Niue. The black proof finish adds a unique touch to this collectible item, making it a prized addition to any coin collector’s collection. Special Features: BLACK PROOF COIN WITH BOX AND COA. Sterling Silver Surfers LLC specializes in Bullion, Precious Metals and a variety of Precious Metals around the World. We strive to bring you the best product available at the best prices. We never shy away from any messages and if you do not see it please feel free to ask us. Once payments are confirmed, we supply tracking. We do not offer Presales. All of our items are live on hand. We are your North American Retailer for Germania Mint. We are Direct to Mint with Agoro, Mint of Poland, Mint of Gdnask, Mint XXI, Art Mint, T&S Coin, All-Collect & several more internationally.
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27th October
2025




2025 Niue Chess Queen Black Proof 1 oz Silver Coin. Comes in box with COA. Items are well packed for optimum arrival condition. Please be sure to return the item in the condition it was received in. Include COA and all original packaging.
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3rd October
2025
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27th September
2025


On a dark and moonless night, the unsinkable. Disappears beneath the sea, having hit an iceberg in the frigid North Atlantic. If history is anything to go by, this stunning, poignant masterpiece will not last long. Make one or more yours today. Forty years ago, in 1985, marine archaeologist and oceanographer Robert Ballard located the wreck of. About 400 miles off the east coast of Newfoundland. Employing the remote deep sea submersible. Ballard became the first human in more than 70 years to gaze on the great ocean liner, now at a depth of more than 12,000 feet! As she sinks into the Atlantic, taking more than 1,500 passengers and crew to an icy grave, this coin is struck from 99.9% silver. Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the shipwreck, the vignette indicates the coordinates of. S final resting place. Please see the article below for more on. With just 800 coins available worldwide, and. Commemoratives always in huge demand, make this dramatic scene of maritime disaster yours today! Sailed into an iceberg in the North Atlantic and into history. One of the most compelling stories ever told, the tale of the sinking of. Has never ceased to fascinate in the hundred-plus years since her demise, and the locating of her watery grave in 1985 and removal of artifacts has only increased her notoriety-as did the 1997 Academy Award winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet! Remember one of the most famous events of the 20th century with this superb numismatic treasure, which presents a nocturnal scene of the catastrophe. Maritime Tragedy of Epic Proportions. Was a passenger liner that struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic Ocean on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, United States, and sank on 15 April 1912, resulting in the deaths of 1,517 people in one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. Was designed by experienced engineers, using some of the most advanced technologies and extensive safety features of the time. That she sank on her maiden voyage, and that many lives were lost, resulted in a media protest which led to changes in maritime law. The largest passenger steamship in the world at the time, the. Was owned by the White Star Line. In addition, the iceberg did not open her plates like a can opener but rather tore them apart at the riveted joints. Since the sea was calm, it would have been safe to fill all boats to capacity, and thereby save an additional 500 souls. Further, only a few were picked up from the water after the sinking out of fear of the boats being overfilled or capsizing. To come to the rescue even though. Was within visual range. In the end it was. Which came to the rescue, picking up the 710 survivors from the lifeboats, but not until two hours after. Had already gone down-two hours too late for those in the icy sea. In the aftermath of the sinking, the White Star Line’s chairman, J. The same was the case for the captain of. The disaster led to new safety regulations regarding the number of lifeboats required to provide space for everyone on board. Since her sinking, the memory of. Has been kept alive by books and films. Though the wreck itself can not possibly be recovered. Fantasies notwithstanding, nearly 6,000 artifacts have been lifted from. And are on exhibition today. Disappears into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic, taking most of her passengers and crew with her to a watery grave after hitting an iceberg that ripped her side open. The scene features a proprietary black proof finish to simulate the nighttime. The legend RMS TITANIC and the coordinates of her final resting place are indicated. Reverse His Majesty, King Charles III, in profile effigy facing left. This portrait was executed by the engraver Jody Clark. The legend CHARLES III, 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 presentation case 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! Proof with Proprietary Black Proof Finish. 999 Fine (Pure) Silver. Niue is an 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 the British monarch on most of 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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