1990) Eclectic Fighting Fish (Betta), The Cook Islands: A $5 (Five Dollars) Silver Coin features an Eclectic design: Coin coordinated by Coin Invest Trust (CIT): Minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH at their facilities in Munich: Year of Coin issue: 2021:
The "Siamese Fighting Fish" ("Betta splendens"), commonly known as the "Betta", is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
While one of 73 species of the genus Betta, only "Betta splendens" are eponymously called "Bettas", due largely to their global popularity as pets. They are among the most widely available aquarium fish in the world, due to their varied and vibrant colour, diverse morphology, and relatively low maintenance.
Siamese fighting fish are endemic to the central plain of Thailand and have been domesticated for at least 1,000 years, among the longest of any fish. They were initially bred for aggression and subject to gambling matches akin to cockfighting. Their long history of selective breeding has produced a wide variety of coloration and finnage, earning them the moniker, "designer fish of the aquatic world".
Fighting fishes are known to recognize their human companions. They will follow a human's finger around the aquarium and can even be trained to perform tricks!
Bettas are well known for being highly territorial, with males prone to attacking each other if housed in the same tank; without a means of escape, this will usually result in the death of one or both fish.
Female bettas can also become territorial towards one other in confined spaces. Bettas are exceptionally tolerant of low oxygen levels and poor water quality, owing to their special labyrinth organ, a characteristic unique to the suborder "Anabantoidei" that allows for the intake of surface air.
In addition to its worldwide popularity, the Siamese fighting fish is the national aquatic animal of Thailand, which remains the primary breeder and exporter of bettas for the global aquarium market.
Despite their abundance as pets, B. splendens is listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN, due to increasing pollution and habitat destruction.
The Fighting Fish is depicted on this coin in an Eclectic style:
Eclecticism is about combining or mixing different styles, theories or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject or topic.
This coin depicts a vibrant fighting fish which is known for its bright, beautiful colouration and elaborate fin displays.
What makes this coin eclectic? It has been split it into two halves with a mirrored proof finish on one side and silk black finish on the other, giving this coin a stunning contrast.
With the enhanced smartminting® technology, the fighting fish itself is set on top of this contrast in ultra-high relief and colorized with an incredibly high level of sophistication which perfectly matches the different backgrounds.
If one holds this coin in one's hand and one moves it around again and again to discover this amazing fish and how it is depicted on this extraordinary piece.
The Reverse of the $5 (Five Dollars) Silver Coin depicts a colourful Fighting Fish (Betta) in full colour on two surfaces.
The Coin is titled at the bottom - "ECLECTIC NATURE".
The Obverse of the $5 (Five Dollars) Silver Coin depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, whose initials "IRB" appear below the Queen's neck.
The peripheral inscriptions are -"ELIZABETH II. 5 DOLLARS. COOK ISLANDS. 2021".
The specifications of this Coin are:
Country of issue: The Cook Islands; Year: 2021; Denomination/Face Value: $5 (Five Dollars); Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 1.0 Oz or 31.107 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.61 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 1,500 pieces; Special Technique: Smartminting® (Ultra High Relief); Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes.
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