The global population is today estimated at approximately 400,000 animals. Europe, excluding Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, has an estimated population of 12,000 wolves across 28+ countries.
Once widespread in Europe, wolves were dramatically reduced in number throughout the early nineteenth century, due to intense hunting. The recovery of European wolf populations only began after the 1950s, when traditional pastoral lifestyles were replaced by farming, removing the need to heavily persecute wolves. Today the grey wolf is protected in parts of Europe and is recovering in population overall.
The Grey Wolf (Canis Lupis) live and hunt in packs of 7-8 animals on average, consisting of the alpha father and alpha mother wolves, their pups and older offspring. This impactful 1 oz coin shows a coloured image of a Grey Wolf snarling expressively against an engraved backdrop of a pine forest.
The coin is encased in an elegant themed box which slides open to reveal the coin nestled in a black velvet interior. The uniquely numbered certificate of authenticity sits within the packaging.
The New Zealand Mint will release no more than 5,000 of the 2016 Kings Of The Continents - Grey Wolf 1oz Silver Proof Coin.
Product Code: 30-00464
Metal Content (Troy oz) 1
Monetary Denomination (NIUE) 2
Fineness (% purity) 99.9
Maximum Diameter (mm) 40.00
Maximum Mintage: 5,000
