2023 1 oz Australian Antarctic Territory – Humpback Whale .999 Silver BU Coin

The second release in RAM’s Australian Antarctic Territory series features the Humpback Whale.

Product Features

Second release in the series
Limited mintage of just 25,000 coins
Coins come in protective capsules in sealed rolls of 10
Australian legal tender
1oz of .999 fine silver
Background

Once hunted near to extinction, Humpback Whales are now found in oceans around the world and are a common sight off eastern and western Australia.

Humpback Whale protection commenced in Australian waters in 1963 and in 1965 the decline in global numbers was recognised granting these creatures global protection. Since then Australia’s Humpback Whale populations has increased from a low of 200 to an estimated 60,000 and is steadily increasing each year.

In January each year Humpback Whales leave Antarctica and begin the 3 month migration north to the warmer east Australian waters to mate and give birth. Each year between April and November the east coast of Australia comes alive with Humpback Whales. The species is noted for their spectacular breaching, making them popular with whale watchers.

These creatures named because of their distinctive body shape can grow up to 17 metres and weigh as much as 40 tonnes. Male Humpbacks are also accomplished musicians with their complex songs lasting for more than half an hour.

Now encountered in oceans around the world, the Humpback Whale has returned from near extinction at the hands of whalers, who hunted them for their prized oil and meat.