The fearsome saltwater crocodile, the largest living reptile, goes berserk lunging and snapping on this low mintage, frosted cameo proof pure silver dollar!

The saltwater or estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest of all living reptiles (and therefore of all living crocodilians as well). A large male can measure over 20 feet long and weigh over 2,500 pounds! The saltwater croc is found in suitable habitats throughout Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the surrounding waters. Saltwater crocodiles are known in northern Australia as "salties" (as opposed to the smaller, freshwater crocodile species colloquially called "freshies"). Due to this species' tendency to travel very long distances at sea, individual saltwater crocodiles occasionally show up in odd locales where they are not native. Vagrant individuals have historically been reported on New Caledonia, Iwo Jima, Fiji, and even in the relatively frigid Sea of Japan (thousands of miles from their native territory.)

The obverse depicts a large male saltie lunging out of its native river habitat, its wide-open jaws exposing its sharp teeth as it lunges and snaps at its prey, all executed in frosted cameo proof finish, with intricately rendered, exacting detail throughout. With a tiny mintage limit of just 5,000, we believe that this traditionally engraved, one troy ounce pure silver proof will sell out at the Mint quickly! Get yours today!

The Saltwater Crocodile
Saltwater crocodiles generally spend the tropical wet season in freshwater swamps and rivers, moving downstream to estuaries in the dry season, and sometimes traveling far out to sea. Saltwater crocodiles compete fiercely with each other for territory, with dominant males in particular occupying the most eligible stretches of freshwater creeks and streams. Junior crocodiles are thus forced into the more marginal river systems and sometimes into the ocean. This explains the large distribution of the animal (ranging from the east coast of India to northern Australia) as well as its being found in odd places on occasion (such as the Sea of Japan). Saltwater crocodiles can swim 15 to 18 miles per hour in short bursts, but when cruising go 2 to 3 mph.

A Powerful and Deadly Predator
The saltwater crocodile is an opportunistic apex predator capable of taking any animal that enters its territory, either in the water or on dry land. Domestic cattle, horse, water buffalo, sharks and gaur, all of which may weigh over a ton, are considered the largest prey taken by male crocodiles. As an ambush predator, it usually waits for its prey to get close to the water's edge before striking, using its great strength to drag the animal back into the water. Most prey animals are killed by the great jaw pressure of the crocodile, although some animals may be incidentally drowned. It is an immensely powerful animal, having the strength to drag a fully grown water buffalo into a river, or crush a full-grown bovid's skull between its jaws.

In its deadliest attack, called the "death roll," the saltie grabs onto the animal and rolls powerfully. This throws any struggling large animal off balance making it easier to drag it into the water. The "death roll" is also used for tearing apart large animals once they are dead. The only threats to adult saltwater crocodiles are other crocodiles and humans.

Of course, the saltwater crocodile also poses a threat to humans as well.  In Australia, attacks are rare and usually make headlines when they do occur. There are, on average, no more than one or two fatal attacks reported per year in the country. The low level of attacks is most likely due to the extensive effort by local wildlife officials to post crocodile "warning" signs at nearly every billabong, river, lake and even at some beaches and also due to the relatively well-informed nature of the local citizens.

Obverse
The obverse depicts a large male saltie lunging out of its native river habitat, its wide-open jaws exposing its sharp teeth, all executed in frosted cameo proof finish, with intricately engraved, exacting detail throughout. The legend AUSTRALIAN SALTWATER CROCODILE defines the theme. The legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The Perth Mint's "P" mint mark and date of issue also appear.

Reverse
A frosted cameo portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. The legend ELIZABETH II and denomination also appear.

Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a handsome taupe leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a full-color outer box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.

Specifications

Country	Tuvalu
Mint	Perth Mint of Australia
Year of Issue	2015
Face Value	One Dollar
Weight	31.135 g
Diameter	40.60 mm
Gauge (Thickness)	4.00 mm
Mintage Limit	5,000
Finish	Proof
Composition	.999 Fine (Pure) Silver
Edge	Reeded (milled, serrated)
Artist	Natasha Muhl (obverse)
Certificate	Individually Numbered