The next issue in the endangered species - Bengal tiger. I'm thrilled to see they have continued the design theme of the water reflection. The black Rhino was my favourite coin of 2014, this is my contender for 2015 already.
That tiger is awesome, I think I'll need to pick one up. I loved the design on the Rhino but was wishing it wasn't a Rhino...this looks amazing with a Tiger
another key question for me is what is the mintage. If 1,500 or less I will consider...anything more...good riddance.
It has been released and available now at the mint - check out the link http://www.nzmint.com/coins/shop-online/endangered-species-silver-coin-bengal-tiger
On the website, mintage is 2000. However, for both rhino & lizard, it was stated 1500 pcs (as far as i can remember), so...?
Lizard was mintage 5,000. Rhino 2,000, Bengal tiger 2,000 (and the same 2,000 for the ongoing series). Tbh, i don't consider the first issue, the lizard, as part of this series now. Strictly speaking of course, it is, and by all means people can go ahead and get it for completion sake. But for me, the Rhino began a complete change of vision for the series. Someone at the mint had the foresight and imagination to do this. The lizard was a run-of-the-mill design, 5k mintage, partly coloured coin of which we see many similar types coming from Perth. I think NZM recognized this 'identity problem' and made the change for the second coin onward. The black Rhino and Bengal tiger are stand-out striking designs that need no coloration, and well done to the mint. I would love to see one of these win a category in the future Krause awards.
Yeah, I know.. Thinking I might just like the Rhino better? That, and I recently saw a lousy pic of the actual Tiger which sort of turned me off. Probably should blame the photographer/camera, not the coin. Have to also look at it this way: Would one be content *not* owning it? It is pretty cool, and at 2K mintage..
Got my Tiger in today! (Sorry, my camera wouldn't do it justice.. Won't even bother, LOL.) I don't do a lot of these proofs in this premium range, so I don't take it lightly.. Happy I got it. Will have to do a side-by-side comparison when I bring to long-term storage, but from what I recall, seems to be on par with the Rhino. Nice design. A loupe helps bring out the details. As long as they don't increase the mintage, I'll definitely consider future years. No interest in the Lizard, heh.
Pleased to read you took the plunge and bought yourself the Tiger and have never known NZ Mint to increase the mintage of proofs I think the tiger is better than the rhino but both are great coins Well done
The reflection of the gorilla in water not as good as rhino. Not sure shall I continue to buy this coin for the series.
