1 Dollar - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Humpback Whale) 2008 front 1 Dollar - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Humpback Whale) 2008 back
1 Dollar - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Humpback Whale) 2008 photo
© Richard Thomas

1 Dollar - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Humpback Whale

2008 year
Silver (.999) (Pad printed) 31.1035 g 40.6 mm
Description
Issuer
Australia
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
2008
Value
1 Dollar 1 AUD = USD 0.69
Currency
Dollar (1966-date)
Composition
Silver (.999) (Pad printed)
Weight
31.1035 g
Diameter
40.6 mm
Thickness
4 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled, Coloured
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#197134
Rarity index
91%

Reverse

Coloured image of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and an icy landscape, which appear within the outline of Antarctica.
As well as the inscription HUMPBACK WHALE : 2008, it includes the words ”Australian Antarctic Territory” and the mint's traditional “P”mint mark.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
HUMPBACK WHALE : 2008
Australian Antarctic Territory
P
SB
1 OZ 99.9 SILVER

Designer: Shevan Buschenhofen

Edge

Reeded

Comment

The 5th release from The Perth Mint's popular Australian Antarctic Territory Series commemorates the Humpback Whale.

Humpback whales are best known for their beautiful and haunting songs. Members of the baleen group (filter feeders), Humpbacks grow to about 15 metres in length and 40 tonnes in weight. Slower and stockier than other species, they were targeted by open boat whalers with hand held harpoons in the 19th century. Yet they survived in numbers until the 1950s when illegal whaling severely threatened their existence.
Thankfully , Humpbacks numbers are now reversing. According to the Australian Antarctic Division, which supports non-lethal scientific research and other activities to promote whale conservation. Humpback populations that breed in Australian waters have doubled in the last 10 years. Journeying each year between Antarctic waters and favoured mating grounds inside the Great Barrier Reef and near the Kimberley coast, Humpbacks are an awe-inspiring sight.

Interesting fact

The Humpback Whale design on the 2008 Australian 1 Dollar Silver Coin was created by renowned marine artist, Dr. David M. Malcolm. Dr. Malcolm is known for his realistic and detailed depictions of marine life, and his work has been featured on various coins and stamps around the world. The Humpback Whale design on this coin is no exception, showcasing the majestic creature in incredible detail and making it a standout piece in any coin collection.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
2008 P 7500 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 1 Dollar - Elizabeth II (4th Portrait - Humpback Whale) 2008 coin.