Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
1 Dollar Killer Whale, Gold Proof Issue
| Issuer | Palau |
|---|---|
| Year | 2003 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Dollar (1 USD) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A killer whale (Orca orca) is depicted in left-facing profile, swimming horizontally across the central field amid stylised incuse wave lines that suggest open ocean waters. The animal's distinctive dorsal fin rises prominently above its sleek body, and fine engraved lines delineate the characteristic black-and-white patterning in relief. The legend MARINE-LIFE PROTECTION arcs along the upper periphery within a beaded border, underscoring the coin's conservation theme. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Palau began issuing small-format gold proofs in the early 2000s through arrangements with foreign minting houses, targeting the collector market rather than any domestic monetary need — the islands had no gold mining industry and negligible numismatic infrastructure of their own. These issues were produced under license and sold almost entirely outside Palau.
KM#96 is part of a marine wildlife series that leaned heavily on Palau's reputation as a dive destination. The killer whale subject was an unusual choice; orcas are not resident in Palauan waters.