September 22, 2016 – As a 3D replica, a specimen of the Cymothoe hobarti adorns the latest issue in the popular Butterflies in 3D series by Coin Invest Trust. The shimmering body of the bright red butterfly presents a stunning contrast to the silver field. The coin, which is issued by a different country each year, achieves a heretofore unseen level of relief height and sharpness of detail thanks to the innovative smartminting© technology.
Tanzania / 1000 Shillings / Silver .999 / 25g / 38,61mm / Mintage: 2500.
The obverse features the coat of arms and the title of the issuing nation as well as the nominal value.
Continuing the characteristic style of the series, the reverse depicts a stylised flower onto which a separately manufactured red butterfly is set. It also features the name of the series, EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES, the year of issue, and the inscription CYMOTHOE HOBARTI.
Male specimen of Cymothoe hobarti. Photograph: Tom Tarrant / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
The Cymothoe hobarti belongs to the Nymphalidae family of butterflies. It is named after Captain Hobart, a British Grenadier Guard, who discovered the species in Uganda in 1899. It is primarily distributed across Tanzania but is also found in Congo and Kenya.
The butterflies, which populate the local tropical forests of those countries, can reach a wingspan of up to 7 cm. Against their black bodies, their wings exhibit an eye-catching, intensive red colouring, framed by black lining. While the larvae mainly feed on different Violaceae, the adult animals live off fermenting plants which they find on the forest floor.
The coins were minted by B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH. Collectors can purchase the issues through specialty dealers.
Please find more information on these coins here.
This is the website of Coin Invest Trust.
And more information on the Cymothoe is available in this database.