2017 Kings Of The Continents - Saltwater Crocodile 1oz Silver Coin

Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), or "salties" as Australians affectionately refer to them, are the largest of all living reptiles. Males of this species can reach sizes up to 6m in length and exceed weights of 1,000 kg. Females are much smaller and often don’t surpass 3m.

As its name implies, this species of crocodile can live in marine environments, but usually resides in saline mangrove swamps, estuaries, lagoons, and lower stretches of rivers. They are excellent swimmers and have often been spotted far out at sea.

A formidable and opportunistic predator, it feeds on a wide variety of prey. It is a large headed species with a heavy set of jaws, which can exert a pressure of several tons. Most prey are ambushed and then drowned or swallowed whole. It is capable of prevailing over almost any animal that enters its territory, including humans. Due to its size, aggression and distribution, Saltwater Crocodiles are regarded as the most dangerous living crocodilian.

This stunning 1oz coin highlights the long, powerful jaw of the Saltwater Crocodile against a background representative of its Australian estuary environment. The coin is encased in a themed box which slides open to reveal the coin nestled in a black velvet interior. The uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity sits inside the box.

The New Zealand Mint will release no more than 5,000 of the 2017 Kings Of The Continents - Saltwater Crocodile 1oz Silver Coin.