15 World Coins with Animals That Make Fun Theme Collections

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Australia 2000 $1 Year of the Dragon Coin

Australia’s 2000 $1 Year of the Dragon coin is a part of the Australian Lunar Series, which features different animals from the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Dragon design showcases a magnificent dragon surrounded by intricate details. The coin was minted in celebration of the Chinese lunar calendar, with the dragon symbolizing strength, vitality, and good fortune.

Made from 92.5% silver, this coin has a sleek and reflective finish. The reverse of the coin also highlights the traditional Chinese patterns, adding to the cultural significance of the piece. Many collectors enjoy the symbolism of the dragon, making this coin a popular item among both numismatists and those with an interest in astrology. The coin is highly valued for its design and historical context, with an estimated market value of $45.

Canada 2017 $20 Wildlife Series – Polar Bear

Canada’s 2017 $20 Wildlife Series coin features a striking design of a polar bear, one of the most iconic animals in the country’s Arctic regions. The coin is made from pure silver and weighs 1 ounce. The reverse side showcases the bear in its natural habitat, with the frozen tundra as the backdrop.

The level of detail in the fur, eyes, and surroundings brings the animal to life. This coin is part of a series that highlights Canada’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty. As a collector’s item, it is appreciated for its artistry and the opportunity to own a piece of Canada’s natural heritage. Its market value is estimated to be around $60.

United States 2011 American Eagle Gold Coin with Bald Eagle

The United States 2011 American Eagle gold coin features the majestic bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom. The coin’s reverse side displays an eagle in flight, holding an olive branch, while the obverse features Lady Liberty. Minted in 22-karat gold, this coin has a deep historical connection to American values and heritage.

The bald eagle design makes it a highly sought-after piece for those collecting U.S. coins, particularly those focused on animal-themed items. The American Eagle coin is known for its beauty, historical significance, and high gold content, which adds to its value. Its market value fluctuates based on gold prices but is generally around $1,600 due to its weight and gold content.

South Africa 2019 Krugerrand with Elephant

The South African Krugerrand is one of the most famous and sought-after gold coins in the world. In 2019, the Krugerrand series released a special edition featuring an elephant, one of the continent’s most majestic and endangered animals. The coin is minted from 22-karat gold and weighs 1 ounce.

The reverse design showcases a beautifully detailed elephant, with its trunk raised in a symbol of good luck. South Africa’s Krugerrand coins are known for their rich history and significant role in global numismatics, and the elephant edition adds a wildlife theme to the collection. This coin is a perfect blend of investment and theme collection. The current market value is estimated at $1,800.

India 2019 10 Rupees – Bengal Tiger

India’s 2019 10 Rupees coin features the Bengal tiger, a species known for its beauty and endangered status. The tiger is depicted in full stride, symbolizing the power and majesty of the animal. The coin is made from cupronickel and has a distinctive finish. As one of the most iconic animals in India, the Bengal tiger holds a special place in Indian culture and wildlife conservation efforts.

This coin is a great addition to any collection focused on endangered species. The design is detailed, making it a visually appealing piece. The current market value is approximately $5, making it an affordable yet significant coin for collectors.

New Zealand 2009 $1 Kiwi Coin

New Zealand’s $1 Kiwi coin, minted in 2009, is a tribute to the national bird of the country—the kiwi. The coin features a detailed engraving of the kiwi in its natural habitat, highlighting its distinctive appearance and significance to New Zealand’s identity. The kiwi is a flightless bird, making it a symbol of the country’s unique and diverse wildlife.

This coin is made from cupronickel, providing both durability and an affordable price point for collectors. The kiwi, being a national symbol, makes this coin especially meaningful for those interested in animal-themed coin collections. The design, which includes intricate details of the bird’s feathers, makes the coin a charming addition. Its market value is approximately $15.

China 2009 Panda Coin

The 2009 Panda coin from China is part of the internationally recognized Chinese Panda series. This particular coin features a beautifully detailed depiction of a panda, one of the most beloved and endangered animals in the world. The coin is made from 99.9% pure gold and is part of a yearly series that highlights the panda in various poses.

The reverse side of the coin features a bamboo forest, further symbolizing the panda’s natural environment. The panda coin series is highly collectible due to the animal’s global appeal and the yearly design variations. As a gold coin, it also holds intrinsic value, making it both a collectible and an investment piece. The market value is around $1,300, depending on the current price of gold.

United Kingdom 2023 Red Squirrel Coin

The United Kingdom’s 2023coin is part of the Royal Mint’s Wildlife Series, which celebrates Britain’s native animals. This coin features the red squirrel, a species that has been the subject of conservation efforts due to its decline in the wild. The design captures the squirrel in a dynamic pose, with its bushy tail in full display. The coin is made of cupronickel, offering both affordability and durability for collectors.

As a representation of Britain’s wildlife, this coin is not only a reminder of the country’s rich natural heritage but also a symbol of ongoing conservation work. It is a must-have for collectors of animal-themed coins, especially those interested in Britain’s endangered species. The current market value is approximately $10.

Russia 1991 3 Rubles – Siberian Tiger

Russia’s 1991 3 Rubles coin features the Siberian tiger, a magnificent and endangered animal that inhabits the forests of eastern Russia. The coin is minted from 92.5% silver and beautifully depicts the tiger in its natural environment. The Siberian tiger, known for its striking orange coat and powerful presence, symbolizes the wild beauty and strength of Russia’s wildlife.

This coin is part of a series that celebrates Russia’s endangered species, with the Siberian tiger being one of the most iconic and critically endangered. The detailed design on the reverse side of the coin captures the tiger’s majestic features, making it a desirable addition to any wildlife-themed collection. The coin’s estimated market value is around $50 due to its silver content and its status as a rare piece.

Mongolia 2018 Coin – Wild Boar

Mongolia 2018 Coin features the wild boar, an animal that is abundant in Mongolian forests and plays a significant role in the country’s natural ecosystem. The coin, made of .999 pure silver, showcases the wild boar in a running pose, symbolizing both the power and grace of the animal. Known for its tough survival skills and strong presence, the wild boar is a perfect representation of Mongolian’s untamed wildlife.

This coin is part of a series celebrating the wildlife that can be found in Mongolian’s forests. It is highly regarded for its attention to detail, with the boar’s muscular build and sharp tusks carefully depicted. The market value of this coin is approximately $70, driven by both its silver content and popularity among collectors.

Brazil 2016 50 Reais – Jaguar

Brazil’s 2016 50 Reais coin features the jaguar, one of the most powerful predators in the Amazon rainforest. The jaguar is captured in full stride, with its muscular build and distinctive spotted coat. Known for its stealth and strength, the jaguar is an essential part of Brazil’s wildlife, particularly in the Amazon basin. This coin, minted from .999 pure silver, was issued to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation in Brazil.

The design on the reverse side of the coin depicts the jaguar’s powerful nature and the lush rainforest environment it inhabits. This coin is a great addition to a collection focused on endangered species and wildlife protection. The market value is estimated at $90, considering its silver purity and the popularity of the jaguar as a symbol of the wild.

Portugal 2019 €5 – Iberian Wolf

Portugal’s 2019 €5 coin features the Iberian wolf, a rare and protected species native to the Iberian Peninsula. The coin is part of the Portuguese National Park Series, which focuses on the country’s native wildlife. The Iberian wolf is depicted on the coin in a realistic pose, showcasing the animal’s fierce and intelligent nature.

As an endangered species, the Iberian wolf has become a symbol of conservation efforts in Portugal. The coin, made of nickel-brass, is an affordable yet significant addition to any wildlife-themed collection. The coin’s limited mintage adds to its appeal among collectors. The estimated market value for this coin is around $10.

Finland 2009 €2 cent – Brown Bear

Finland’s 2009 €2 coin features the brown bear, a national symbol and one of the most revered animals in Finnish culture. The coin, made of nickel-brass, features a detailed depiction of the bear, showing its powerful presence and natural elegance. Finland is home to a significant population of brown bears, and the coin highlights the importance of this species in the country’s ecosystems.

The design focuses on the bear’s form, capturing its muscular body and distinctive features. This coin is part of a series that celebrates Finland’s rich wildlife, making it an ideal addition to animal-themed coin collections. The current market value for this coin is estimated at $5.

Switzerland 2009 CHF 10 – Alpine Ibex

Switzerland’s 2009 CHF 10 coin features the alpine ibex; a species of wild goat found in the rugged mountain regions of the Swiss Alps. The coin showcases the ibex’s impressive horns and agile form, highlighting the animal’s ability to navigate steep cliffs and rocky terrain.

The alpine ibex is known for its strength and survival skills in harsh mountainous environments. This coin, minted in .900 silver, was issued as part of a series focusing on Switzerland’s native wildlife. The detailed design makes it a standout piece for collectors. The market value is estimated at $20 due to its silver content and unique design.

Australia 2017 $2 Kangaroo Coin

Australia’s 2017 $2 coin features the iconic kangaroo, a symbol of the Australian outback and one of the country’s most recognized animals. The reverse side of the coin shows the kangaroo in a dynamic leap, reflecting its strong and energetic nature. This coin, made of aluminum-bronze, is a part of the Australian Animal Series.

The kangaroo is an emblem of Australia’s wildlife, and this coin captures its essence beautifully. Its design includes fine details that make it a sought-after item for collectors. The market value for this coin is estimated at $8, reflecting its popularity and the kangaroo’s status as a symbol of Australia.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.