Wolverine Design a Winner

By Dan Lewis | Mon, 27 Apr 2009

Striking Mongolian Wolverine coin / silver crown draws attention to the need for wildlife conservation.

My topic coin this month is a non-circulating, legal-tender (NCLT) crown issued by the National Bank of Mongolia that features a wolverine (Gulo gulo) and promotes wildlife conservation. The proof 500-tugrik piece was produced in .999 fine silver with high relief and an antique finish; the wolverine sports sparkling, Swarovski crystal eyes. A total of 2,500 coins were struck and issued worldwide.

Located in central Asia, Mongolia shares a 2,200-mile border with Russia on the north and a 2,900-mile border with China on the east, south and west. With support from the Soviets, it gained independence from China in 1921 and installed a Communist government in 1924. It adopted a new constitution in 1992, and today is a democratic republic.

Mongolia’s geography ranges from the Gobi Desert to mountain ranges. The wolverine depicted on the country’s 500-tugrik coin lives in forests, mountains and plains. The largest member of the weasel family at 25 to 34 inches and 22 to 55 pounds, it also is found in North America, northern Europe and Siberia. It has a brownishblack coat with light brown or yellow stripes on its sides. The wolverine’s long, dense fur helps protect it from frost and snow. It moves over deep snow with its large claws and snowshoe- like pads. Exceptionally strong for their size, wolverines have been known to drive away bears, cougars and wolves from their kills.

The Mongolian 500-tugrik coin has received international numismatic recognition. In a special ceremony held at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany, in February, it was named World Coins News’ Coin of the Year (COTY) for 2009 as well as Best Silver Coin. Although this recognition may eventually drive prices higher, the coin currently is available online for less than $125.