Set Description
The Australia at Night series of coins from Niue are a collection of collector's items that feature Australian animals at night. The coins are made of silver and are proof collector coins. The New Zealand Mint produces Niuean coins, which are known for their technologically advanced designs and colorized images. Note - Advised by NGC that they don't create small competitive sets so the creation of this "custom set" was necessary.
Set Goals
Collect All as required to maintain set.
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| 2020, S$1, Echidna |
NIUE
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S$1 2020 Echidna
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NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
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2020 – Australia At Night: Echidna
Third Coin in this Popular Series
The echidna is no stranger to Australian coinage appearing on Australia’s 5c piece since the inception of decimal currency in 1966.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
Echidnas are small, relatively primitive mammals that are covered with coarse hair and spines, the reason they are sometimes called spiny anteaters. Superficially they resemble the anteaters of South America, and other spiny mammals like hedgehogs and porcupines. They have elongated, slender snouts that have the functions of both the mouth and nose. Having very short, strong limbs with large claws, they are powerful diggers.
Capturing the Echidna feasting on one of its favourite foods – ants – the contrast between the sparkling silver and Black Proof backdrop instantly catches the eye. The echidna is native to Australia and is one of the few mammals that lay eggs.
The obverse of the coin depicts a beautiful echidna, surrounded by vegetation. On top of the reverse, the inscriptions: "AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT" – the name of the series and "ECHIDNA" – the name of the coin.
The reverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the inscriptions: "ELIZABETH II" – the name of the Queen, "NIUE" – the issuing country, "2020" – the year of issue and "ONE DOLLAR" – the face value and "1OZ 999 SILVER" – the weight of the coin and the fineness of the Silver.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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| 2021, S$1, Wombat |
NIUE
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S$1 2021 Wombat
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NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO
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2021 – Australia At Night: Wombat
Fourth Coin in this Popular Series
The Ultra-Rare Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
The northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii), or yaminon, is one of three extant species of wombats. It is one of the rarest land mammals in the world; unfortunately it is critically endangered. Its historical range extended across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland as recently as 100 years ago, but it is now restricted to one single location, a 3-square-kilometer range within the Epping Forest National Park in Queensland. In 2003, the total population consisted of a mere 113 individuals, including only about 30 breeding females. In the last census taken in 2013, the estimated population was 196 individuals, with an additional 9 individuals at the Richard Underwood Nature Refuge at Yarran Downs near St. George in southern Queensland. In recent years, the population has experienced a slow but steady increase to an estimated 230 individuals in 2015.
The Wombat
There are only three extant species of wombats, a large Australian marsupial. Wombats are short-legged, muscular quadrupeds, approximately 39 inches (1 meter) in length, with a very short tail. An adult common wombat averages a weight of over 55 pounds (25 kg). They are found in forested, mountainous, and heathland areas of south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. The name "wombat" comes from the Eora Aboriginal community, who were the original inhabitants of the Sydney area.
Wombats' fur color can vary from sandy to brown, or from gray to black. Wombats are herbivores: their diet consists mostly of grasses, sedges, herbs, bark and roots. Their incisor teeth somewhat resemble those of the placental rodents, being adapted for gnawing tough vegetation.
Wombats dig extensive burrow systems with rodent-like front teeth and powerful claws. One distinctive adaptation of wombats is their backwards-facing pouch. The advantage of this is that when digging, the wombat does not spray dirt into its pouch or over its young. Although mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, wombats will also venture out to feed on cool or overcast days. They are not commonly seen, but leave ample evidence of their passage, treating fences as minor inconveniences to be gone through or under.
Dingos (Australian wild dogs) and Tasmanian Devils prey on wombats. The wombat's primary defense is its toughened rear hide, with most of its posterior made of cartilage! This, combined with its lack of a meaningful tail, makes it difficult for any predator that follows the wombat into its tunnel to bite and injure the animal. When attacked, wombats dive into a nearby tunnel, using their rump to block a pursuing attacker. Wombats may allow an intruder to force its head over their back and then use its powerful legs to crush the skull of the predator against the roof of the tunnel, or drive it off with two-legged donkey kicks!
Wombats have an extraordinarily slow metabolism, taking around 14 days to complete digestion! This aids their survival in arid conditions. They generally move slowly, and because of this are known for taking shortcuts, but when threatened they can reach up to 25 mph (40 km/h) and maintain that speed for up to 90 seconds. Wombats are wide-ranging foragers and nocturnal, with strong instincts for burrowing behaviors. These characteristics make them unsuitable as pets, despite their cute and furry appearance.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
Obverse
A nocturnal, adult wombat scurries out of its den, under the light of the moon that rises over the farmhouse and windmill of an outback sheep or cattle station. The scene sports a proprietary black treatment to simulate the nighttime, when the wombat is most active. The legends AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT and WOMBAT denote the theme.
Reverse
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, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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| 2021 S$1, Dingo |
NIUE
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S$1 2021 Dingo
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NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
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2021 – Australia At Night: Dingo
FIFTH COIN IN THIS POPULAR SERIES
Brought to Australian shores thousands of years ago, and by nature unpredictable, the Dingo is Australia’s native wild dog and largest carnivorous mammal. Noted for their speed, agility and stamina, dingoes are active at night, hunting in packs between dusk and dawn for prey including kangaroos, rabbits and wombats. Interestingly, although it could be the world’s oldest breed of dog, the dingo cannot bark. What the dingo can do, however, is swivel its head around almost a full 180 degrees in both directions!
Australia's Native Dog, The Dangerous Dingo
The Australian Dingo is an ancient, free roaming, primitive canine unique to the continent of Australia, specifically the outback. Its original ancestors are thought to have arrived with humans from southeast Asia thousands of years ago, when dogs were still relatively undomesticated and closer to their wild Asian Gray Wolf parent species, Canis lupus. Since that time, living largely apart from people and other dogs, as well as the demands of Australian ecology, has caused them to develop features and instincts that distinguish them from all other canines. Australian Dingoes have maintained ancient characteristics that unite them, along with other primitive dogs, into a taxon named after them, Canis lupus dingo, and has separated them from the domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris.
Dingoes play an important role in the various ecosystems of Australia; they are apex predators and the largest terrestrial predators on the continent. Due to their habit of attacking livestock and the vulnerability of sheep, dingoes and other wild dogs are seen as a pest by the sheep industry and the resulting control methods normally run counter to dingo conservation efforts. An important animal in Aboriginal culture, the dingo is depicted in many rock carvings and cave paintings.
Today, it is estimated that the majority of the modern "dingoes" are also descended from other domestic dogs. The number of these so-called dingo-hybrids had increased significantly over the last decades and the dingo was therefore classified as vulnerable. "Pure dingos" are getting rare, and are the subject of much debate and conservation efforts.
The latest release in this sought-after series is Australia's own wild dog, the resourceful and cunning Dingo. This medium-sized canid that possesses a lean, hardy body designed for speed, agility and stamina. Genetic evidence suggests that there has been no artificial selection over the past five millennia, so that the dingo therefore represents an early form of dog from 4,000–6,000 years ago. They have lived, bred, and undergone natural selection in the wild, isolated from other canids until the arrival of European settlers, resulting in an unique canid.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
Obverse
A mother Dingo rests with her two pups near their den, under the light of a full moon, while a large male Dingo howls at the same. The scene sports a proprietary black treatment to simulate the nighttime. The legends AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT and DINGO denote the theme.
Reverse
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, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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| 2022, S$1, Possum |
NIUE
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S$1 2022 Leadbeater's Possum
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NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
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2022 – Australia At Night: Leadbeater’s Possum
Sixth Coin in this Popular Series
The nocturnal creature of choice for the latest release is Leadbeater’s possum. These possums sleep all day and then at night emerge, leaping from tree to tree to find food. The easiest way to distinguish them is by the black stripe on their backs and their unique club-shaped tails.
Leadbeater’s possum is named after John Leadbeater, a taxidermist from the Museum of Victoria. These adorable little creatures are exclusive to Victoria, Australia, where they have earned the status as the state’s official animal. They are quite small and agile, sleeping during the day and then emerging at night to find food in the trees. They are omnivores, feeding off arthropods for protein and tree sap for energy.
A trio of Leadbeater’s possums is featured on the obverse side of 2022 1 oz Proof Leadbeater’s Possum Black Coins. In the foreground is a larger possum perched on a branch, and behind it are two other possums on different branches. The backdrop of the design consists of a beautiful full moon. Inscriptions along the top read Australia at Night, Leadbeater’s Possum.
Queen Elizabeth II is depicted on the reverse. Her Majesty is shown in right-profile relief wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara that she received as a wedding gift in 1947. Along the edges are the words Elizabeth II, Niue 2022, One Dollar, 1 oz .999 Silver.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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| 2022 S$1, Barn Owl |
NIUE
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S$1 2022 Barn Owl
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NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
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2022 – Australia At Night: Barn Owl
Seventh Coin in this Popular Series
This beautiful 1 Oz Silver coin is the new issue in the "Australia at Night" series, dedicated to some of the most fascinating nocturnal animals of Australia. In this edition – the Barn Owl. The coin has a stunning Relief, has a beautiful design, and has a Black Proof quality.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
The Australian Barn Owl (Tyto delicatula) is nocturnal and preys mainly on mice, rats, lizards, frogs, bats and insects. During the day it stays in tree hollows or rock crevices. As a very adaptable species, the occurrence of the barn owl is not limited to certain habitats. Thus, the owl is common in forests and steppes, but also in rocky or populated areas. A typical feature of the Australian Barn Owl is the pure white facial veil. It reaches a body size of up to 36 centimeters and a weight of up to 450 grams.
The obverse of the coin depicts a beautiful image of a Barn Owl, this animal has inspired countless legends and cultures across the globe with its striking pale colours, long wings, heart-shaped face and large hypnotizing eyes. The motive depicts a barn owl sitting on a branch, holding its prey in its claws. In the background another barn owl can be seen in flight. Both animals are on the grounds of an Australian farm on a full moon night. The design also includes the inscription "AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT - BARN OWL". On the background, an image of a farm under full moon.
The reverse of the coin depicts the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the inscriptions: "ELIZABETH II" – the name of the Queen, "NIUE 2022" – the country and the year of issue, "ONE DOLLAR" – the face value and "1 OZ 999 SILVER" – the weight and the fineness of the Silver.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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| 2023, S$1, Flying Fox |
NIUE
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S$1 2023 Flying Fox
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NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
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2023 – Australia At Night: Flying Fox
The Eighth Coin in this Popular Series
This beautiful 1 Oz Silver coin is the new issue in the "Australia at Night" series, dedicated to some of the most fascinating nocturnal animals of Australia. In this edition: the Flying Fox. The coin has a stunning Relief, has a beautiful design, has a Black Proof quality.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
The obverse of the coin depicts a beautiful image of some bats called flying fox hanging from the tree. This hard-working bat does its part by ensuring pollination, distributing pollen and seeds across large distances. On the background, an image of a full moon. At the top of the obverse, the inscriptions: "AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT" – the name of the series and "FLYING FOX" – the name of the coin.
The reverse of the coin depicts the Public Seal of Niue and the inscriptions: "2023" – the year of issue, "ONE DOLLAR" – the face value and "1 OZ 999 SILVER" – the weight and the fineness of the Silver.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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| 2024, S$1, Rock Wallaby |
NIUE
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S$1 2024 Rock Wallaby
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NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
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2024 – Australia At Night: Rock Wallaby
The Ninth Coin in this Popular Series
This beautiful 1 Oz Silver coin is the new issue in the "Australia at Night" series, dedicated to some of the most fascinating nocturnal animals of Australia. In this edition: the Rock Wallaby. The coin has a stunning Relief, has a beautiful design, has a Black Proof quality.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
An adorable Aussie native, rock wallabies inhabit the cliffs and caves of the Australia's Great Dividing Range - from southwest Queensland to Victoria’s Grampians. These lithe creatures are largely active in the cool night.
This exquisite coin depicts a pair of Rock Wallabies, the so-called “marsupial gymnasts” of Australia. Rock Wallabies are nocturnal, ranging out at night to feed. With powerful hind legs, they can jump long distances, and they also have incredibly strong feet that they use to grip the rugged terrain where they live.
The obverse of the coin depicts two Rock Wallabies! Indigenous to Australia, they are creatures of the night, who occupy intricate, precipitous and craggy landscapes during the day, seeking refuge in a cave, overhang or vegetation. They emerge during the night to nourish themselves, venturing into the nearby vicinity. The mesmerizing black coin showcases a mother and her offspring amid the rocks, gleaming under a bright, full moon. The rocky outcrops and cliffs are meticulously rendered. The contrast of sparkling silver and black brings the rock wallabies to life under the light of a full moon – lending an aura of intimacy and magic to the scene. At the top of the obverse, the inscriptions: "AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT" – the name of the series and "ROCK WALLABY" – the name of the coin.
The reverse of the coin depicts the Effigy of King Charles III and the inscriptions: "CHARLES III" - the name of the King, "2024" – the year of issue, "ONE DOLLAR" – the face value and "1 OZ 999 SILVER" – the weight and the fineness of the Silver.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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| 2024, S$1, Fairy Penguin |
NIUE
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S$1 2024 Fairy Penguin First Releases
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NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
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2024 – Australia At Night: Fairy Penguin
Tenth coin in this Popular Series
Fairy penguins spend the majority of their time at sea. They are genuinely nocturnal, coming ashore only at night. They nest along the southern coast of Australia and New Zealand. Phillip Island in Victoria hosts Australia’s largest colony, with more than 30,000 breeding penguins found on the Summerland Peninsula.
When the sun goes down and the moon rises, tourists gather to witness these magical creatures waddle along the beach in the celebrated “penguin parade.”
The coin design recalls this daily ritual.
The obverse depicts a trio of fairy penguins waddling ashore under the light of a full moon onto an Aussie beach. The beautiful full moon in the sky casts a silvery light that gently illuminates the small penguins as they come out of the dark water. Their sparkling eyes reflect the moon's light as they move gracefully on the fine sandy beach. The penguins gather in a group, communicating with each other in soft chirps and chatter. The legends AUSTRALIA AT NIGHT and FAIRY PENGUIN denote the theme.
The reverse features the Jody Clark effigy of King Charles III, in profile facing left. The legend CHARLES III, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend guarantees the weight and purity.
Limited mintage of 1,000 pieces worldwide.
Niue
Island Country
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites. Migrating whales swim in Niue's waters between July and October. In the southeast is the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, where trails through fossilized coral forests lead to the Togo and Vaikona chasms. The northwest is home to the rock pools of Avaiki Cave and the naturally formed Talava Arches. ― Google
Capital: Alofi
Dialing code: +683
Population: 1,620 (2018)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Continent: Oceania
Official languages: Niue, English
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Non-partisan democracy.
Photos taken with Nikon D3300 DSL Camera with attached AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G lens. Adobe Photoshop Elements used to fix any digital artifacts.
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