August 25, 2016 – A colored version of the Triton trumpet decorates the latest issue of the popular Marine Life Protection series designed by Coin Invest Trust for Palau. A genuine freshwater pearl is inserted into the lifelike depiction of the shell. Thanks to the innovative smartminting© technology the relief achieves a heretofore unseen level of height and sharpness of detail.
Palau / 5 Dollars / Silver .999 / 1 Ounce / 38,61mm / Mintage: 2500.
The obverse features the official coat of arms of the issuing state Palau below an outrigger canoe with canoeist. Further engraved are the name of the issuing state, the nominal value and the year of issue.
Continuing the series’ characteristic style, the reverse depicts a colored Triton trumpet with an embedded real freshwater pearl against a stylized seabed. Inscribed above are the name of the series, MARINE LIFE PROTECTION, and MIRACLE OF THE SEA.
Triton trumpet (and sea cucumber) in Guam, Mariana Islands.
With a length of up to 60 cm the Triton trumpet (Charonia tritonis) belongs to the largest species of sea snails in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is named after the Greek sea god Triton, about whom it was said that he could raise the ocean by blowing the shell.
The natural habitat of these stunning creatures is the sandy sea floor. The Triton trumpet is also likely to be found near coral reefs, where it encounters its favorite prey: starfish, especially the toxic crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster. The Triton trumpet, however, can paralyze and dissolve the calcified skeleton in order to feed on it. In this way the sea snail contributes to the protection of coral reefs, which would be preyed upon extensively by an uncontrolled crown-of-thorns population.
Its striking shape and coloring make the Triton trumpet a real eye-catcher. The smooth, cone-shaped shell with the belly-like bulge is covered with fine ribs. Shades of brown, yellow, and white create a mottled effect. The opening is red on the inside and hosts the body of the animal, which can be covered with a large lid attached to its foot.
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 a triton trumpet being blown you can see and hear in this video.