Semi-Numismatic

2023 Tuvalu 5 oz Silver Colorized Phoenix & Birds (Antiqued)

The phoenix symbolizes immortality and is tied to the sun god in ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology. The Perth Mint created this 5 oz Silver legal tender coin depicting the phoenix and several birds in vivid colorization against antiqued patina. According to Chinese legend, the phoenix was once a plain and inconspicuous bird. While other birds preferred to frolic in the forest, it constantly foraged for nuts and seeds, earning a reputation for being boring and greedy. One year, the forest was stricken by drought and the playful birds, who could not find anything to eat, began to starve. Struck by their plight, the hard-working phoenix welcomed the hungry birds to share in its painstakingly gathered stores of food. In gratitude, the birds presented the phoenix with a crown, each one plucking its more beautiful feathers to help make a colorful new clothing for the "king of the birds."