Anyone who collects thematic coin designs knows that just about every animal imaginable has been shown on some coin, somewhere, at one time or another. One of the strangest and most infrequently seen, however, is the crocodile. Perhaps it is the vicious disposition of this critter that makes it so unpopular. If you are collecting wildlife coins you will have to look far and wide to find an image of the crocodile on a coin, but they do exist.
The first coin ever to use the crocodile as a design was a Roman bronze as of the first century A.D. It was made by Emperor Augustus and intended as a tribute to his friend Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. The obverse of this coin shows the heads of both Augustus and Agrippa. The reverse indicates that the coin was to circulate in the Roman colony of Nemesis, and shows a crocodile chained to a palm tree.
Agrippa was an exemplary Roman commander who likely would have succeeded Augustus had he not pre-deceased the emperor in 12 B.C. Collectors do not have to search for 2,000-year old coins of Augustus to fill the crocodile slot in their numismatic zoo. Other coins have been made in much more recent times, and are far more readily available. One of the earliest modern pieces was made for Papua New Guinea from 1975 to 1984. It features a New Guinea crocodile and the saltwater crocodile.
There are distinct differences between the two, though I must confess I have never been close enough to either of them to notice. Preceding that coin was a 4 shillings piece from Gambia made in 1966 that shows the African slender-snouted crocodile. Other modern versions of the crocodile theme are found on the 1978, 500 pesos coin of Colombia depicting the Orinoco crocodile, and the 1976-1980, one dollar coin of Guyana showing the Caiman. An unidentified crocodilian appears on the reverse of the Cook Islands’ 1996 $5 coin.
The Nile crocodile, the one shown on the ancient Roman coin, is one of the best known biologically. Males average about 16 feet long today, but in earlier times they were even larger. Nile crocodiles will eat about everything they can find. The Cuban crocodile, which is most often seen in North America, is somewhat smaller than its African cousin, but is just as vicious. Anyone interested in studying crocodiles would do well to confine their activities to a collection of coins before getting involved with them in the wild.
Vacation Plans Should Include Something For Your Favorite Hobby
Finding a vacation spot that pleases the entire family can be a challenge. Locating one that allows you to enjoy your hobby as well as providing entertainment for others is even more difficult. Take heart. It can be done and in fact there are several neat things you can do that will appeal to all ages and interests while giving you a chance to expand your involvement in the pursuit of coins and paper money.
A trip to Philadelphia to see our nation’s birthplace is one that is usually high on everybody’s list of travel spots. It is also a mecca for all coin collectors because it is the home of the primary United States Mint. A tour through the Philadelphia Mint is considered a highlight for most of that city’s visitors, and it is surely one that all collectors will enjoy. Family members who may not share your interest in actually saving coins, will find the experience engaging because they will get to see how the nation’s money is made in a modern manufacturing plant. The Mint, at 5th and Arch Streets, has regular tours from Monday through Friday during most of the year.
You can also get a similar tour of the Denver Mint located at 320 West Colfax Avenue in Denver, Colorado. They, too, are open for visitors Monday through Friday 8:30 to 3:00 year-round. Admission is free at both facilities. Unfortunately, the San Francisco Mint, and Fort Knox are closed to the public.
While in Washington, D.C. you must take a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. That is the place where they make our paper money. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Washington, and well worth a short wait to get in. You will find their building at 14th and C Streets, just south of the Washington Monument. Visiting hours are from 9 to 2 Monday through Friday.Admission is free; the tour takes about one-half.