Catalog
5 Vatu Bengal Cat
| Issuer | Reserve Bank of Vanuatu |
|---|---|
| Year | 2015 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 5 Vatu |
| 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 | The national arms of Vanuatu displayed centrally, featuring a Melanesian warrior in traditional dress standing before a curved boar's tusk, which forms a circular backdrop to the design. A scroll beneath bears the national motto in Bislama. The date is split to either side of the central device, and the national name legend arcs around the upper field. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A full-body color portrait of a seated Bengal cat rendered in vivid photographic detail occupies the central field, facing left with piercing green eyes, its spotted and striped coat rendered in naturalistic tones. The denomination '5' and 'VATU' appear in large numerals to the left of the cat, while the breed name 'Bengal Cat' curves along the right rim. An ornate floral arabesque pattern is engraved in the mirror-polished background field. The inscription '1 OZ 999 SILVER' is positioned along the lower left, and multiple inset Swarovski crystals are scattered throughout the field as decorative accents. |
| 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 |
Vanuatu's 5 Vatu denomination is essentially fictional as a circulation coin — the country's actual monetary system bottoms out well above that value in practice, making this a straightforward bullion issue dressed in legal tender clothing. The Bengal cat series was part of a broader wave of Pacific island novelty silver rounds issued through third-party minting arrangements, typically routed through European minting houses using Pacific sovereign names for collector appeal rather than any domestic monetary purpose.