- Mintage Limit - 500
- High Relief Beetle Satined Antique Finish
- Coin in capsule+with Certificate of Authenticity
Stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) is registered in the second appendix of the Habitats Directive of the European Union from 1992, which requires that member states set aside Special Areas of Conservation. The species is also registered in the third appendix of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Berne convention) of 1982 and Schedule 5 of the UK’s Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The stag beetle was named by the Board of Trustees “Insect of the Year” in 2012. Stag beetles are the largest terrestrial European insects, named because the male’s huge jaw-like mandibles look just like a stag’s antlers. They spend about five years as white grubs underground and emerge as fully grown adult insects in spring. They are quite harmless – although they can give you quite a shock if they bump into you while flying around on summer evenings looking for a mate! The stag beetle has a very long life cycle lasting at least four years and possibly up to seven.
Reverse Design
The reverse captures two stag beetles fighting in high relief. The two insects are colored in a beautiful technique (partially lacquered) and offset themselves against the silver background. Only some leaves in the back are also colored. The inscriptions "Exotic Endangered Wildlife" read along the rim of the reverse.
Obverse Design
The obverse features the Fiji Islands Coat of Arms, the year of issue and the denomination of the coin.
Packaging
The Stag Beetle silver coin comes encapsulated with a Certificate of Authenticity and a matching presentation box.