2014 Silver Coin – Beauty of the Sea – Marine Life Protection with Freshwater Pearl
USD 81.37
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USD 81.37
Out of stock
Notify me when item is back in stock.
A pearl in a sea snail for the first time.
Many think of pearls primarily being found in shells. What most people don’t know is that, in extremely rare cases, this small miracle of nature is also found in snails, for example, in the Queen Conch (lat. Lobatus gigas). These animals can grow up to a remarkable size of 30 cm, with a shell of over 2,5 kg and are able to reach an age of 20 to 30 years. They main-ly feed on algae. Queen Conches are found throughout the Caribbean and along the coast of Florida and northern Brazil in shallow waters up to 18 metres deep.
The Queen Conch pearls only very seldomly grow naturally. However, after several years of research pearl breeders succeeded in inserting a foreign body into these animals. Just like in the shell, the sea dweller encases the foreign body layer by layer, through natural defence mechanism. The snail, which is a protected species, is not injured or killed in the process. Especially in the Caribbean, the Queen Conchs’ flesh is considered a delicacy and its wonderful shell is a popular souvenir. It is for these reasons that the population has declined dramatically in recent years. It is to be hoped that this beautiful sea dweller remains preserved for future generations.
Specifications
Mintage: 2500
Material: Silver .925
Finish: Proof with Freshwater Pearl
Weight: 25g
Diameter: 38.61mm
Country: Palau
Case: Wood Case
Face Value: 5 Dollars