Tuvalu Dollars: Killer Coins

By Dan Lewis | Wed, 5 Sep 2007

Colorful and creepy, this island nation?s proof coinage won?t take a bite out of your budget.

This month's installment features two new, exciting, non-circulating, legal-tender issues (NCLTs) struck by authority of the island nation of Tuvalu (formerly known as the Ellice Islands), one of the smallest and most remote countries in the world. Located in the South Pacific, it consists of nine coral atolls about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The name of the tiny nation means ?group of eight,? referring to its eight, traditionally inhabited islands.

Formerly a British colony, Tuvalu gained its independence in 1978. The ruling monarch is Queen Elizabeth II, represented by royally appointed Governor General Filoimea Telito. Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia was elected by popular vote and has been in office since August 2006.

Although Tuvalu?s international influence is limited?its land mass is only 10 square miles?its coinage has some bite. For example, take a look at its 2006-dated dollar depicting the red-back spider (Latrodectus hasselti). Native to Australia and a close relative of North America?s black widow spider, it belongs to the family Theridiidae,which is found worldwide.

During the summer months, Tuvalu residents typically report more than 250 bites from red-back spiders. Only the female?s bite is dangerous, sometimes causing serious illness or death. Asecond dollar coin, dated 2007, depicts the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). Known as ?White Death,? this ?man-eater? was made famous by Steven Spielberg?s 1975 film Jaws.

The great white is found in coastal surface waters in most oceans. The world?s largest-known predatory fish reaches lengths of over 20 feet and can weigh in at more than 4,400 pounds. The only real threat to the species comes from humans and occasionally killer whales (Orcinus orca), which have been known to attack and feed on young sharks.

Both coins were struck to proof specifications by the Perth Mint in Western Australia. Each contains an ounce of .999 fine silver, measures 40.6mm in diameter and carries a legal-tender value of one Tuvalu dollar. Housed in a lacquered, wood presentation case, each has a limited mintage of 5,000. The mint reports that the red-back spider issue is sold out, but both coins can be obtained on the secondary market for less than $130 each.

Tuvalu?s 2006 $1 coin celebrates a troublesome arachnid?the red-back spider, a relative of the black widow. The great white shark of Jaws fame comes alive on Tuvalu?s 2007 dollar. A surfer can look like a seal, one of the predator?s favorite meals.