Britain’s Pobjoy Mint has issued a $1 yellow titanium coin celebrating the tree frog (Platymantis vitiensis).
As titanium reacts differently with every strike, each coin is technically different and varies slightly in colour. There is also a lined effect present on the coins that’s is unique to this metal. The obverse features the Fijian Coat of Arms, a heraldic design consisting of a shield with the Cross of St. George, Fijian warriors, a canoe and a lion on a Proof background. The reverse design features a tree frog resting on some leaves.
“It has proved difficult to decide on which animal to showcase on 2018’s Titanium coin for Fiji, as the Islands have such a beautiful and diverse selection of flora and fauna,” reads a statement issued by the mint. “We came to the conclusion that the Yellow Tree frog captures the essence of the rainforest with its vivid colours and unusual appearance.”
The coin, which is also available in Proof silver, has a mintage of 7,500 pieces.
FIGI TREE FROG
The Fiji Tree Frog is a tree-dwelling frog endemic to Fiji. This little frog reaches a maximum size of 60 mm and can be found in an array of different colours, from a creamy grey to a vivid yellow.
In the wild, these frogs live close to rivers and streams and prefer living amongst secluded foliage. They are good swimmers, climbers and can jump a far distance to evade predators.
These frogs are nocturnal animals and forage for food as well as seek a partner to reproduce at night. They lay their eggs in leaf axils, particularly of Pandanus trees. Fiji’s endemic frogs are terrestrial breeders and miniature frogs hatch from the eggs rather than tadpoles.
Although these frogs are not currently considered endangered, they are confined to small pockets of forest on small islands so are inherently at risk from deforestation and other introduced predators.