Australian Eagle 1 oz Silver 2018
"Australian eagle (Aquila audax) - a species of large bird of the hawk family (Accipitridae). It is the largest bird of prey in Australia and the most numerous of the large eagle species. External Appearance: the bird has long, fairly wide wings, feathered shins, a hock joint and part of a jump on its legs, as well as a tail and distinctive wings with a wedge-shaped tip. Due to its large wingspan, this species is one of the largest in the raptor order. The Australian eagle is one of twelve species in the genus Aquila, whose coloration is predominantly dark. Sizes: length - From 0.9 to 1.15 m. Wingspan - From 1.8 to 2.5 m. Body weight: 3.2 to 4.2 kg on average. Sometimes as much as 5.5 kg. Environment They inhabit almost all environments, although they tend to lean toward forests. Open colonies in southern and eastern Australia. Range Australian eagles are found in Australia, including Tasmania and southern New Guinea."
The coin was designed by American artist John M. Mercanti, who also designed the image of the Silver American Eagle and produced more other coins and medals than any other designer employed by the U.S. Mint
The obverse bears the likeness of Queen Elizabeth II and information about the denomination ($1)
The reverse features the likeness of an Australian eagle leaning over its young, and above them is a second eagle with wings spread, ready to land. At the bottom of the silver coin is information about the weight and year of minting.
