Birds on Coins - 1994 Republic of Somaliland 1 Shilling - Somali Pigeon - Photos Inside
pendragon1998
Posts: 2,070 ✭✭✭
Well, I've finished my 20th century Republic of Somaliland circulating coinage collection; I now own one example of every coin issued by the country (for circulation) for each year. My entire collection is pictured below:
1994 Republic of Somaliland 1 Shilling
KM# 1; Aluminum, 20.5 mm
That's right, the Republic of Somaliland only issued one coin type for circulation during the 20th century. They later went on to release some rather generic commemoratives, but this was basically it for the 20th century.
And of course, since this coin was for my birds on coins collection, here's a little info on the species depicted on the obverse: the Somali Pigeon (Columba oliviae). Western science knows fairly little about the species. According to Birdlife International:
<< <i>Columba oliviae is a locally common species endemic to north-east Somalia. It has been found from 45°E east to Cap Guardafui and south down the east coast as far as 7°30'N. It is a ground-feeding, rock-dwelling bird of arid, coastal regions, at altitudes of 75–750 m (though once seen at 1,425 m), within 24 km of the coast. It is generally resident but shows seasonal movements locally. It feeds mainly on the ground, on seeds, cultivated grains and berries. Very little is known of its breeding ecology. Apart from its small range, there is no indication that there are any threats to this species, and there is no reason to think that its status has changed in the last 60 years. However, there has been no survey or conservation work carried out in recent years, therefore its status is uncertain. >>
Photos of the real bird:
Sorry, no photos - I haven't been able to locate one on the web as of yet! Below is the best I've been able to do:
1994 Republic of Somaliland 1 Shilling
KM# 1; Aluminum, 20.5 mm
That's right, the Republic of Somaliland only issued one coin type for circulation during the 20th century. They later went on to release some rather generic commemoratives, but this was basically it for the 20th century.
And of course, since this coin was for my birds on coins collection, here's a little info on the species depicted on the obverse: the Somali Pigeon (Columba oliviae). Western science knows fairly little about the species. According to Birdlife International:
<< <i>Columba oliviae is a locally common species endemic to north-east Somalia. It has been found from 45°E east to Cap Guardafui and south down the east coast as far as 7°30'N. It is a ground-feeding, rock-dwelling bird of arid, coastal regions, at altitudes of 75–750 m (though once seen at 1,425 m), within 24 km of the coast. It is generally resident but shows seasonal movements locally. It feeds mainly on the ground, on seeds, cultivated grains and berries. Very little is known of its breeding ecology. Apart from its small range, there is no indication that there are any threats to this species, and there is no reason to think that its status has changed in the last 60 years. However, there has been no survey or conservation work carried out in recent years, therefore its status is uncertain. >>
Photos of the real bird:
Sorry, no photos - I haven't been able to locate one on the web as of yet! Below is the best I've been able to do:
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Comments
The Somaliland 1994 1/- coin is the only coin that has the Pobjoy Mint's PM mintmark,which can be found located under the bird's tail.
I've got most of Somaliland's coin issues,as Somaliland is legitimately an independent country that qualifies for full membership of the British Commonwealth.
Somaliland's notes are very hard to find over here in New Zealand.I also collect those as well.
Aidan.