Animals are portrayed in different ways on coins: they can be symbolic, stylised or realistic, or they can be national symbols and are often to be seen in coats of arms. I would like to look at some of these in this topic.
First of all I would like to look at realistic portrayals of animals in reasonably modern times.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7097.0;attach=110712;image)
This peacock on a Burmese coin of 1853 looks undeniably realistic.
I can't find any earlier modern designs that look as realistic as this.
Note that the bird is depicted standing on a piece of earth. There is no other background.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7097.0;attach=9801;image) (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7097.0;attach=9802;image)
The 5 Mark coin of German New Guinea, dated 1895, sports a highly realistic design of a Bird of Paradise.
Apart from the branch on which it is perched, there is no other background.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6808.0;attach=29735;image)
Into the 20th century now with this 50 cents coin of 1909 from the East Africa and Uganda Protectorate.
Unlike the birds, this lion is depicted against a scenic background of Mount Muhavura, an extinct volcano in Uganda.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=120355)
Realistic portrayals of animals became increasingly in vogue after the First World War.
This farthing of South Africa, dated 1923, follows the example of depicting the sparrows on a branch.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=131550)
Mauritius, ½ rupee, 1934.
In contrast to the birds, the larger animals are mostly not depicted against any significant background.
They either appear on the exergue, as above, or on a bare mound of earth.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17896.0;attach=27391;image)
This beaver design, seen on the Canadian 5 cents coin, was actually first issued in 1937.
It has a rich background and is an exception to the rule that larger animals are usually not depicted against any scenery.
South African 5 shilling, 1948.jpg
This South African 5 shillings coin of 1948 is one of the other few exceptions to the rule.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=113881;image)
South Africa, 1 rand, 1965. Springbok.
Well into the 20th century, however, this sparse treatment remained the rule.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=124405)
Botswana, 1 pula, 1981. This design first appeared in 1976.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=124466)
Now in 2014, Botswana has released a new 1 pula coin (dated 2013).
In contrast to the earlier design, it has a rich and busy background.
I prefer the earlier design, but perhaps the scenic background will signal a new trend for wildlife designs on circulation coins.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=122348)
This Malawian 50 tambala coin of 2004 shows that Botswana was not the first to show a zebra against a scenic background.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=124473)
Scenery - or no scenery?
The new Botswana set released in 2014 (but dated 2013) can't seem to make up its mind.
Should it be consistent - or does it not matter?
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119645;image)
Gibraltar, 1 penny, 2010.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119601)
Gibraltar, 1 penny, 1988.
The Gibraltar penny has depicted its partridge with and without a branch. Which do you prefer?
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119644;image)
Gibraltar, 5 pence, 1988.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=120369)
Gibraltar, 5 pence, 2005.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119639)
Gibraltar, 5 pence, 2010.
Likewise, the macaque monkey on the 5 pence was originally depicted with ornamental flowers.
I prefer the more pristine versions.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=132577)
St. Thomas and Prince, 500 dobras, 1997. This mona monkey is almost lost among the scenery.
Animal designs have become such a popular theme on circulation series, that they risk looking too similar.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=117284)
Some countries have managed to avoid this risk: Colombia, 500 pesos, 2011. Frog.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=117287)
Colombia, 1000 pesos, 2011. Loggerhead turtle.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=110870;image)
Percy Metcalfe's ground-breaking Irish "barnyard series" of 1928.
It included a heavily stylised and rather 2-dimensional depiction of a hen and chicks.
The hen in particular looks more like a metal toy than a living breathing animal.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3515.0;attach=72204;image)
Curiously, this design was combined with others that were far more realistic.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3877.0;attach=72214;image)
The Irish set seems to have been an influence on the many later circulation sets that included several animal designs.
Curiously, a design of an animal mother and child (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,15630.0.html) on a circulation coin was not seen again until the Malawi florin of 1964.
(https://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=135542)
Here you see the hen and chicks design on the Tongan 5 seniti coin of 1975.
It seems to be paying homage to the Irish penny.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=122066)
The designs of the first circulation set of independent Slovenia (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,15809.msg111492.html#msg111492) were largely realistic.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=122062)
The later higher denomination issues included a magnificently stylised horse, seen above, as well as a bull and a stork.
See also: Slovenia: post-Yugoslav coinage (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,24759.0.html).
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23756.0;attach=91458;image)
After Slovenia joined the euro zone, the stork design was transferred to the new 1 cent coin.
The Irish barnyard series was designed by Percy Metcalfe, an Englishman.
George Kruger-Gray was another English artist who was employed by the Royal Mint.
He produced various other animal designs for Australia, Canada, South Africa and Mauritius.
Years later, these former British colonies of sub-Saharan Africa became independent.
Many of these countries opted for wildlife designs on their circulation coins.
These designs were usually provided by Britain's Royal Mint, and a recognisable style developed.
This style has influenced other countries.
It can be seen in the recent circulation series from Fiji, Samoa, and even, I would argue, Uruguay.
The British-influenced style of wildlife design is rather pristine, but the French also had an empire.
The French or French-influenced style of wildlife design is often far more ornate, and very attractive too.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=122208)
French West Africa, 5 francs, 1956. Dune gazelle.
The design above was created by French artist Lucien Bazor.
The lush vegetation gives it a hugely different style from the designs of Britain's Royal Mint.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=100154;image)
French Somalia, 2 francs, 1948.
Another example of French style.
More examples of French style.
(https://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=135959)
Three cows from New Caledonia, on a 20 franc coin.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=126825)
And three zebus from Madagascar on a 5 francs coin of 1948.
Earlier in the topic we saw some highly stylised designs from Slovenia.
Back in 1932, the Free City of Danzig produced some equally unusual fish designs on their circulation coins.
These desgins must have looked daringly modern in their day.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4024.0;attach=60209;image)(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4024.0;attach=60210;image)
Danzig, 5 Pfennig, 1932. Turbot.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4024.0;attach=59914;image)(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4024.0;attach=59915;image)
Danzig, 10 Pfennig, 1932. Cod.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6808.0;attach=29735;image)
East Africa and Uganda Protectorates, 50 cents, 1909.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=88847;image)
Uganda, 1966.
Remarkably, most early animal designs on circulation coins included very little background.
That is despite the early example of the lion design seen above.
However, Uganda returned to this tradition with its independence coinage of 1966.
It paid homage to the earlier designs, though it depicted a crested crane rather than a lion.
When it comes to stylised designs of animals, probably the lion tops the list.
Among my own favourites are these charming examples from the Lebanon.
The French influence is once again highly evident in the style.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4001.0;attach=95032;image)
Lebanon, 2½ piastres, 1940.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18887.0;attach=29020;image)
Lebanon, 5 piastres, 1955. Another superb lion head.
See also: Lebanon: trees, galleys and lions (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,21938.0.html).
Seychelles, 10 cents, 1977.jpg
Seychelles, 10 cents, 1977.
Since the late 1960s, animals (and especially edible ones!) have featured heavily in designs for FAO-themed coins.
The Seychelles design above is one of my favourites of this genre.
See also: Wildlife of the Seychelles (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,22875.0.html).
Some animals are used as official or unofficial emblems of various countries, and they appear on their coin designs in this capacity.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7097.0;attach=9805;image)
The Little Owl (Athene noctua) appears on this Greek 10 lepta coin of 1912.
It is realistically portrayed, but it is also symbolic of wisdom and a national emblem.
In Greek mythology the owl was sacred to Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8597.0;attach=91454;image)
A much more stylised Little Owl also appears on the reverse of the Greek 1 euro coin.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7097.0;attach=9803;image)
The bald eagle has long been the national bird of the USA.
On this 1922 dollar the eagle is portrayed realistically enough in itself.
Look, though, at those ethereal rays in the background.
They hint that the eagle is transcending its earthly nature and symbolising the USA itself.
See also the index of the forum's bird topics:
Topic index: Birds on coins (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,27163.msg152589.html#msg152589)
Since 1910, when Australia first introduced its official national coinage, the country has never been without a kangaroo on its coins.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=121654)
1 shilling, 1916.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=32540.0;attach=76617;image)
Penny, 1938.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=120332)
50 cents, 1966.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=32540.0;attach=79983;image)
1 dollar, 1984.
Likewise, New Zealand's coinage has never lacked a kiwi.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=125298)
New Zealand florin, 1941. Kiwi.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=106591)
New Zealand, 20 cents, 1967. Kiwi.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=97292;image)
New Zealand, 1 dollar, 1990. Kiwi.
This was the first year of issue for the circulation dollar coin, known colloquially as "the kiwi".
Rhodesia's coin designs always included a sable antelope.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17663.0;attach=72934;image)
Southern Rhodesia, 2 shillings, 1937.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17663.0;attach=72935;image)
Rhodesia and Nyasaland, 1 shilling, 1955.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17663.0;attach=77817;image)
Rhodesia, 25 cents / 2 shillings and 6d, 1964.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17663.0;attach=80564;image)
Rhodesia, 25 cents, 1975.
Since predecimal times, sparrows have always been present on South Africa's designs.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=120355)
South Africa, ¼d, 1923. Sparrows.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39951.0;attach=75137;image)
South Africa, 1964, ½c. Sparrows.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23679.0;attach=72944;image)
South Africa, 1966, 1 cent. Sparrows.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23679.0;attach=75350;image)
South Africa, 1970, ½ cent. Sparrows.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23679.0;attach=76780;image)
South Africa, 1994, 1 cent. Sparrows.
The springbok first appeared on South Africa's coins in 1947.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=120444)
South Africa, 5 shillings, 1948. Springbok.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=113881;image)
South Africa, 1 rand, 1965. Springbok.
South Africa, 1 rand, 1998.jpg
South Africa, 1 rand, 1998. Springbok.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17663.0;attach=50353;image)
South Africa, 2 cents, 1966.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17663.0;attach=73220;image)
South Africa, 5 rand, 1998. Wildebeest.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=95027;image)
South Africa, 5 rand, 2008. Wildebeest.
One beast with background scenery that I forgot is the South African wildebeest.
The mountainous background on the 5 rand designs differs significantly from the original design on the 2 cents coin.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=120763)
Ireland, 1 punt, 1990.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8912.0;attach=11978;image)
Ireland, 5 ecu collector coin, 1990.
Another example of background / no background on an animal design.
See also: Irish red deer on Punt and 5 ECU coins of 1990. (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,8912.0.html)
Mozambique 10 000 meticais 2003'.jpg
Mozambique, 10,000 meticais, 2003.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=120534)
Mozambique, 1 centavo, 2006.
Another example of background / no background on an animal design.
Michael Guilfoyle was responsible for both designs.
This is also an example of a design moving from the highest denomination to the lowest.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=29561.0;attach=76705;image)
Australia, 20 cents. Design by Stuart Devlin.
In December 2016, "Australasian Coin and Banknote Magazine" published an article about coin designer Stuart Devlin (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,8796.0.html). It was entitled: "Stuart Devlin - The Designer with the Midas Touch" and was written by John Andrew, an English writer on numismatics. Mr Andrew recounted how, in a conversation with Kevin Clancy, Curator of the Royal Mint Museum (UK), both agreed that the Irish Free State coinage, designed by Percy Metcalfe, and the first Australian decimal coinage, designed by Stuart Devlin, were the two "WOW!" coinages of the 20th century. Mr Andrew writes:
Having told the story to Stuart, I added that while two coinages featured their respective country's fauna, there was a difference – the horse, salmon, butting bull, standing wolfhound, seated hare, chicken and chicks, pig and piglets and a flying woodcock of the Irish coinage were unceremoniously 'plonked' in the centre of the flan. This was not a criticism, as most reverse coin designs comprise one or more motifs or symbols on the flan. In Stuart's opinion the traditional approach, 'does not suit the circular nature of the coin and is not a good thing to do'. Stuart wished to break with tradition and make the design an integral part of the blank on which the coin is struck. In other words, the design spreads to more of the flan than is usual.
Compare the Australian decimal and Irish Free State coins illustrated here. Stuart's innovative approach is truly breath-taking. While the design of each Australian coin is an integral part of the blank, the 20-cent piece is a particularly striking example. This features a platypus swimming through water. Although over 50 years have elapsed since it was created, he still maintains, 'It is the best coin I have ever designed.' He achieved the effect by giving it a modulated surface, so consequently the platypus appears to be swimming through water creating ripples as opposed to being stuck on the flan like the salmon on the Irish florin. This unusual feature required working the surface of the coin to create the illusion.
It is only by thoroughly studying the subject that forms the design that one can work out the best way of presenting its form in the confines of a circular surface (look at the echidna or spiny anteater on the reverse of the 5-cent), or can capture the animal's true character, whether it is the contentment of the platypus or the bravado of the frilled lizard.[/color
hadassah.jpg
The Hadassah medical centre at Ein Kerem.
While I agree with the tenor of the above, why are the two examples chosen both from English-speaking countries?
For worked surfaces, there are good examples in Finnish commemorative portrait coins.
For depth of design, Israeli commemorative coins are exemplary.
The example above (source (http://www.israelmint.com/?section=44082&product=2403&lineItem=1090)) shows that the approach works for objects as well as for animals.
Peter
Quote from: Figleaf on February 03, 2017, 04:38:39 PMI wonder why the two examples chosen are both from English speaking countries.
Possibly because the people choosing them were best acquainted with the coins of those countries.
Nevertheless, they are still both "Wow!" sets that have been admired by non-English-speakers.
Here is another "Wow!" set from a non-Anglophone country:
Norwegian wildlife series, 1958 to 1973 (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,14248.0.html)
However, I would contend that it was heavily influenced by Metcalfe's Irish set.
So it doesn't quite have the "Wow!" of originality.
And your example is an individual coin and not part of a set.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=13104.0;attach=72698;image)
So, what would be another "Wow!" set from a non-Anglophone or even non-Commonwealth country?
I'm very fond of the Indonesian bird designs, of the 1970s onwards, which are very stylish.
They were produced piecemeal, a year here, a year there, so they lost a bit of coherence thereby.
See: Indonesia, Birds, and Wallace's Line (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,13104.0.html).
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=32540.0;attach=76617;image)
Australian penny.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=40458.0;attach=76584;image)
Australian half penny.
NOTE: The images above are not to scale: the half penny was not larger than the penny.
See: Predecimal coinage of the Commonwealth of Australia (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,40458.0.html).
When I first saw the Australian predecimal set, I loved the kangaroo on the penny and half penny, and I still do.
However, I was disappointed that the same basic design was used on those two designs.
Over time, I remembered the penny design as being simply a mirror image of the half penny, apart from the denomination.
However, that is not true: the placement of the year, the commonwealth star and the designer's initials are completely different.
Also, on the penny the kangaroo's paws come much closer to the rim of the coin.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11873.0;attach=73709;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11873.0;attach=73708;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11873.0;attach=73706;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11873.0;attach=73707;image)
As you can see, a lot of thought (and second thoughts) went into the placement of the various elements of the designs.
See: Australia: Rejected pre-decimal designs of 1937/8 (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,11873.0.html).
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=125699)
Malawi, six pence, 1964.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=126235)
Malawi, 1 tambala, 1971.
Malawi 1 kwacha 1992-.jpg
Malawi, 1 kwacha, 1992.
Above you see the journey of Malawi's cockerel across different denominations, from low to high.
Do you know of any other animal designs that were reversed?
Ireland 5p 1971.jpg
Ireland 5p 1996.jpg
Yes, I remember now!
The Irish reduced the size of their 5 pence and 10 pence coins in the 1990s.
They also took the opportunity to reverse the designs.
This meant that the animals on all the coins (20 pence and 50 pence included) all faced the same way.
Why this petty neatness was thought necessary, I do not know, but it was interesting for collectors.
In fact, the elements of the design have not simply been reversed on the 5 pence.
Ireland 10p 1975.jpg
Ireland, 10 pence, 1975.
Ireland 10p 1993.jpg
Ireland, 10 pence, 1993.
Now let's look at the Irish 10 pence variations.
Strangely, the later coin is beaded, and the "10P" has been moved higher.
Can you spot any other changes?
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119601)
In 2010 Gibraltar issued a penny with a Barbary partridge on the reverse design.
This design was an amended version of the original penny design of 1988.
The vegetation around the rim had been removed.
The font used on the two designs is also different.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119645;image)
Compare the 2010 design with the original 1988 version.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=115938;image)
Gibraltar, 10 pence, 2020.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119644;image)
Gibraltar, 5 pence, 1988.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119609)
Gibraltar. Circulation penny of 2004.
Gibraltar 5 pence 2005-.jpg
Gibraltar, 5 pence, 2005.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119639)
Gibraltar, 5 pence, 2010.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=119646;image)
Gibraltar, 50 pence, 2014.
See also: Monkeys on the coins of Gibraltar (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,47582.0.html).
Nepal 2 rupees 2006.jpg
Nepal, 2 rupees, 2006.
The cow looks worried. "I'm a real cow, but those hills look phony to me. I've seen that film 'The Matrix'. How can I get hold of the red pill ?"
Latvia 2 lati 1999.jpg
Latvia, 2 lati, 1999.
Realistic cow, impressionistic grass. Can it ever satisfy the cow's appetite?
How realistic is the cow's back? Or its lack of buttocks? Or having only two teats? Or walking a thin metal line?
Peter
Quote from: Figleaf on August 11, 2020, 09:50:41 PM
How realistic is the cow's back? Or its lack of buttocks? Or having only two teats? Or walking a thin metal line?
Peter
In total, 72.6% more realistic than the background. 8)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=102219;image)
Turkey, 1 lira, pattern, 1935.
Here is a 1 lira pattern of 1935. It depicts a wolf, in the style of art deco.
It was the work of English artist Percy Metcalfe (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,9021.0.html) for the Royal Mint (UK).
It was never issued. Why it was originally commissioned, and why it was subsequently never issued, I do not know.
However, it is the most unusual wolf that you will ever see on a numismatic item.
Anubis.jpg
Powerful design. It reminds me of Anubis, the hyena and Egyptian god of the dead.
The image is Anubis sitting on a tomb. It is part of the collection of the British Museum (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA47991). Could it have served as a model?
Peter
Anubis! That's exactly who it reminded me of. I also wondered if it was still possible to meet Anubis, given the mythical and archetypal characters who turn up in lucid dreams. On a whim, I googled 'Anubis' and 'lucid dreams' and found this book: Otherwhere: A Field Guide for Astral Travelers (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Otherwhere-Field-Guide-Astral-Travelers/dp/1786770814), by Kurt Leland, which fascinated me.
Portugal 5 euro 2021.jpg
Portugal, 5 euro, 2021.
A seahorse in faux naïve style. Deliberately simplistic, primitive or childlike.
Such a style is sometimes seen in FAO-themed coins.
FAO = Food and Agricultural Organization (of the United Nations).
See also:
1] Analysis of animal species featured on African circulation coins (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,53315.0.html).
2] Animal designs in sets and mixed thematic sets (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,53588.0.html).
3] Which animals would you like to see on coins? (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,3044.0.html).