Australian Antarctic Territory Orca Killer Whale $1 2011 Proof Silver Crown Case & COA

The Killer Whale otherwise known as the Orca, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Killer whales have sophisticated social structures, hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, which are passed across generations. They also have keen hearing, good eyesight, both in and out of water and a developed sense of touch. The Killer Whale’s large size and strength make it one of the fastest of marine mammals. The average lifespan of males and females varies according to habitat and lifestyle. The female is thought to live the longest, to a maximum age of 80 to 90 years. Commercial whaling and pollution have threatened whale populations, although there are now many organizations that work towards the conservation of these extraordinary creatures. This coin’s reverse depicts a mature whale and calf in color under the sea, and a struck design showing a whale leaping from an ocean of floating icebergs. The background incorporates the outline of the Antarctic continent bordered by the inscriptions 2011, KILLER WHALE and Australian Antarctic Territory. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark is also incorporated into the design.