Isle of Man – Siberian Cat & Kitten – One Crown – 2013 – Brilliant Uncirculated Coin – Proof-like – The Siberian is a domestic cat breed that has been present in Russia for centuries. A longer name of the breed is Siberian Forest Cat, but it is usually referred to as the Siberian or the Siberian cat. The cat is an ancient breed that is now believed to be the ancestor to all modern long-haired cats. The national cat of Russia, it has similarities with the Norwegian Forest Cat, to which it is likely closely related. While it began as a landrace, it is selectively bred and pedigreed today in at least seven major cat fancier and breeder organizations. The color point variant of the breed is called the Neva Masquerade by some registries, including Feline Federation Europe (FFE). There are claims that it is hypoallergenic and produces less Fel d1 than other cat breeds, a substance that is known to cause allergies in humans. Known to be an exceptionally agile jumper, the Siberian is a strong and powerfully built cat, with strong hindquarters and large, well rounded paws. They have barreled chests and medium sized ears, broad foreheads, and stockier builds than other cats.

Isle of Man – 25th Anniversary – Manx Cat & Kitten – One Crown – 2012 – Brilliant Uncirculated – In 1988, the natural choice for the first coin in this extremely popular series was the Manx cat, a tailless cat that has become a symbol for its homeland. The origins of this native Manx cat are steeped in mystery – biblical references abound, as do tales of ship-wrecked felines swimming ashore from Spanish Galleons. Shy but friendly, clever and endearing, the Manx cat has a personality all of its own, as does its coin. The Manx cat also continues to make a cameo appearance of every Isle of Man cat crown issued. In 2012, the 25th Anniversary of the first Isle of Man cat crown issue, we come full circle with a reprise of the first crown featuring the Manx cat.

Issued by authority of the Government of the Isle of Man, this spectacular legal tender proof crown comes as shown with a mint issued presentation case and a Certificate of Authenticity. TOTAL MINTAGE WORLDWIDE FOR THIS COIN WAS LIMITED TO 250 PIECES.

Isle of Man – Abyssinian Cat & Kitten – 1 Crown – 2010 – Prooflike – The Abyssinian is a breed of domesticated cat with a distinctive ticked coat. There are many stories about its origins, often revolving around Ethiopia, but the actual origins are uncertain. The Abyssinian has become one of the most popular breeds of shorthair cat in the USA. The name ‘Abyssinian’ refers to Ethiopia, but most of the stories about the origins of Abyssinians refer to Egypt. Genetic research suggests the breed originated near the coast of the Indian Ocean, where colonists may have purchased animals from wild animal traders. The breed was developed in Egypt. The breed is sometimes believed to have originated from one Egyptian female kitten named Zula, who was taken from a port in Alexandria by a British soldier and brought to England in 1868. This theory is not established because there is no solid link between Zula and the cat first listed as an Abyssinian in 1882. Many sources repeat the story that the Abyssinian breed is a few thousand years old and comes from Ancient Egypt, as the cats resemble those in ancient paintings. Ancient Egyptians made sculptures of them. There are also stories that wild ‘Abyssinians’ live in parts of North Africa today.