2962) "Silverback Gorilla," Republic of Congo: "Silverback Gorillas Coin Series": 2023-dated Ninth Year release of Gold and Silver Bullion Coins minted by Scottsdale Mint on behalf of the Republic of Congo released in the Series: Date/Year of Coins issue: 2023:
The series began in 2015, features different designs of Gorillas who possess tremendous strength and remarkable intelligence; they are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth.
The largest of the living primates dwell in a vast range of habitats across the tropical forests of equatorial Africa.
Despite their intimidating size and power, gorillas have been hunted to near extinction, and wild gorillas inhabit only small patches of territory around the Congo River.
Deep in the lush forests of central Africa, the magnificent silverback gorillas command attention with their sheer strength and commanding presence.
Beyond their impressive stature, these gentle giants are known for their extraordinary relationship with their offspring. In the intricate social structure of gorilla families, the silverback, or dominant male, assumes the vital role of protector and leader.
With their silver-gray backs and powerful build, silverbacks create a sense of security within their groups, which typically consist of several adult females and their offspring.
Their nurturing nature is evident in the way they interact with their young, offering guidance, protection, and emotional support. Through gentle grooming, playful interactions, and engaging in games, silverbacks forge deep and enduring bonds with their offspring, fostering a sense of love and belonging within the gorilla family.
The relationship between a silverback gorilla and their children is one characterised by immense tenderness and care. Silverbacks are devoted fathers, taking an active role in the upbringing of their offspring. They watch over their young ones diligently, ensuring their safety and teaching them essential survival skills.
Through gentle touches, comforting embraces, and vocalizations, silverbacks communicate their affection and establish a strong sense of trust and security within the family unit.
The protective nature of silverbacks becomes most apparent when faced with potential threats.
They bravely defend their young against any danger, displaying incredible courage and a fierce determination to keep their family safe.
The bond between Silverback Gorillas and their children serves as a powerful testament to the incredible depth of emotions and the complexity of social dynamics within these magnificent creatures, reinforcing the importance of conservation efforts to preserve their extraordinary existence in the wild.
Deep in the lush forests of central Africa, the magnificent silverback gorillas command attention with their sheer strength and commanding presence.
Beyond their impressive stature, these gentle giants are known for their extraordinary relationship with their offspring. In the intricate social structure of gorilla families, the silverback, or dominant male, assumes the role as Father and Leader of the herd.
The Coins:
Now in its 9th year, the 2023 Silverback Gorilla coin program features a Father Ape holding his child close to his chest.
The coins have been minted by the Scottsdale Mint, at their facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona, on behalf of the Finance Ministry of the Congo Republic.
After many years highlighting the fierce and aggressive nature of this massive primate, the coins present a fatherly impression of the Silverback to embody the many amazing fathers who protect their families from an increasingly dangerous world.
Through gentle grooming, playful interactions, and attentive guidance, they instill a sense of security and belonging within the family unit. The watchful eyes of these protective fathers ensure the safety of their young, and they lead by example, demonstrating essential life skills and social behaviors.
When faced with potential threats, silverback gorillas courageously defend their children, exemplifying unwavering dedication to the protection and well-being of their family.
Male Gorillas are known for their extraordinary relationship with their offspring.
In the intricate social structure of gorilla families, the silverback, or dominant male, assumes the vital role of protector and leader.
Observed over many decades, male gorillas, whether silverbacks or subordinates, will cuddle infants, play and eat with them, groom and just gently interact with them, a behaviour which has often been described as babysitting.
Contrary to the common portrait of male gorillas as aggressive and chest-thumping, they have been observed as being very gentle or even loving.
Senior males will let infants climb on their backs or sit under them while eating, almost as a gesture of protection.
Gorilla Troops include several adult males and although the silverback might sire the majority of infants, subordinates will also sire offspring.
Male gorillas have been observed showing care and interaction with infants, whether they are their own offspring or not.
The Reverse and Obverse of the Gold and Silver Bullion Coins placed side-by-side.
The Reverse of the Gold and Silver Bullion Coins features a male Gorilla and his offspring.
Depicted is the front-facing image of a male gorilla gazing straight ahead and closely holding an infant.
Above the primary design is a border of leaves arranged in a diagonal direction, along with the specifications of the coin - "9999 GOLD" or "999 SILVER ONE TROY OUNCE", and the year of issue "2023".
The Obverse of the Gold and Silver Bullion Coins is shared on all three options and depicts the official Coat of Arms featuring other animals native to the Congo region.
The lion and two African elephants, as well as a forest crown and a tree trunk, symbolise the rare ecology of the region.
At the base of the Coat of Arms is the national motto of "UNITÉ, TRAVAIL, PROGRÈS" (“Unity, Work, Progress”) shown on a Lemniscate/Ribbon/Banner.
The Congolese Coat of Arms was first created in 1960 with Congo’s independence from France and was re-adopted in 1991.
Above the crest is text "REPUBLIQUE DU CONGO" and below is the denomination of "3000 FRANCS CFA" (gold ounce), "1000 FRANCS CFA" (gold 1/10th-ounce), or "500 FRANCS CFA" (silver).
Each coin is denominated in CFA francs, the legal tender currency in the Congo Republic.
The specifications of the various Coin Variants:
- The 1/10th-ounce gold coin is encapsulated and enclosed in a coin-card format.
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Links to posts on Zaire/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"A VERY interesting and informative article. Thanks for sharing this post."
Thank you so much Khanna sahab.
DeleteRajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Interesting post 👍"
Thank you so much Trikha sahab.
DeleteVikram Bhatnagar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Informative and revealing write up! Gentle Giants is an appropriate description!"
Thanks, Vikram. They can be very aggressive only when defending members of their Troops. It is the poachers (read Cro-Magnum man) who have contributed to thei reduction in their numbers.
DeleteRaj Kumar Srivastava has commented:
ReplyDelete"Nice post 👍🏻"
Thank you so much, Raj.
Delete