INTRODUCTION
These coins are the third instalment in the Royal Australian Mint’s ‘Australian Dolphin Series’ and features the Fraser’s Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), discovered by Francis Fraser in 1956. Complete with brilliant uncirculated finish, the coin’s reverse depicts two Fraser Dolphins designed by Aleksandra Stokic. The coin’s obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Fraser’s Dolphin was only officially discovered in 1956 after Francis Fraser identified the species from a mislabelled skeleton in the British Museum. Distinguishable by its cream and black flank stripes, the Fraser’s Dolphin is stocky in shape with a short beak and small dorsal fins, flippers and flukes (tail). Males can reach up to 2.7 metres long and weigh more than 200 kilograms.

Social in nature, Fraser’s Dolphins have been known to travel in pods of up to 1,000 and swim in a high-spirited fashion, creating lots of surface splashes. These dolphins also mix with other species of dolphins and even whales. Found in tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific oceans, the Fraser’s Dolphin dives deep for its food, reaching depths of up to 500 metres. With a diet of mostly fish, this dolphin also fuels itself with squid and crustaceans. While the Fraser Dolphin is still hunted by some countries, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists its conservation status as ‘least concern’.

Coin Features

• Third instalment in ‘Australian Dolphin Series’
• Coin’s reverse has a striking dolphin design by Aleksandra Stokic
• Coin’s obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark
• Limited mintage of 25,000 silver coins
• Guaranteed metal content and quality, complete with brilliant uncirculated finish by the Royal Australian Mint
• Australian legal tender

Technical Specifications