The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos daphanea) is among the largest birds of prey and is native to mountains rich in game and extensive grasslands throughout the entire northern hemisphere. This new coin shows a circling golden eagle in front of a snow-covered mountain glistening in the sunlight. No other animal represents Mongolia better than the golden eagle gliding elegantly and majestically over the unending grass steppes. With its weight of up to fifteen pounds and eight foot wingspan, the golden eagle is perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions with icy winters and hot-dry summers. Owing to its size the golden eagle has no natural enemies to fear. Its immense strength and courage were used by mankind over 2000 years ago to hunt foxes and occasionally even wolves in the extensive Central Asian grasslands.