One of a kind

[<k>]

Singapore, $50, 1980.

Is this the only design to show currency symbols on their own?


"You need a yen, to make your mark, if you want to make MONEY!"

[<k>]

Italy, 500 lire, 1991.  Protection of nature.


Look at the image of the obverse design (left hand side). I believe that the animal at top left is a mole.

If this is true, it is one of a kind. Or am I wrong?

[mrbadexample]

I don't think that's a mole - the head seems wrong.

The reverse looks like it was designed by M.C. Escher.

[<k>]

What else could it be - a seal?

The paws look right for a mole. It's not meant to be highly realistic, I think.

[quaziright]

What else could it be - a seal?

The paws look right for a mole. It's not meant to be highly realistic, I think.

An otter?

[eurocoin]

According to the original packaging, Driutti used endangered animals and plants on the coin. Although I was unable to find a list of endangered animals of Italy in 1991, the current list does mention the Eurasion Otter and the Mediterranean Monk Seal. It does not mention a mole. 

[<k>]

An otter?

It's a possibility, but again the shape of the head is wrong, and an otter has small visible ears. If it is meant to be an otter, it's a very poor representation, and Italy deserves to be expelled from the EU. 

[malj1]

Moles eyes don't show as they are almost blind

[<k>]

Moles eyes don't show as they are almost blind

True, but the paws on the coin design are very mole-like. Whichever species the artist meant to depict, it is probably anatomically incorrect.

[Figleaf]

It's not an otter because otter ears are visible. It's not a seal because seals have no claws and it's not a mole, because the longest "finger" of a mole claw is the central one. Surely that decides the real question of this thread. It is one of a kind.

Peter

[<k>]

It's not an otter because otter ears are visible. It's not a seal because seals have no claws and it's not a mole, because the longest "finger" of a mole claw is the central one. Surely that decides the real question of this thread. It is one of a kind.

Peter

   We'll have to ask the ET's. Maybe they brought it here.

[mrbadexample]

What else could it be - a seal?

I think a seal is a good bet.

[<k>]

I think a seal is a good bet.

I think you're probably right. For some reason, the face reminds me of my long dead Uncle Charlie. He was a small man with a moustache, and he smoked a pipe. 

[quaziright]

Malta, 1 lira, 1986.

Is this the only coin that shows a worm? Botswana issued a coin featuring a "mophane worm", but that creature is in fact a caterpillar.

I believe there is a slovenian pre euro coin with a worm on it

[chrisild]

Sort of, yes. The 10 stotinov coin features an olm (proteus anguinus). Does that qualify as a worm?

Christian