1 oz Silver Coin - Major Mitchell's Cockatoo - with John Gould Privy Mark - 2023
### Birds of Australia - Major Mitchell's Cockatoo - 2023 1 Oz Silver - Proof - in Color - With John Gould Privy Mark - 99.9% Silver - Mintage only 750 pieces - With numbered Certificate of Authenticity - Delivery in original Box The **silver coin** in proof quality was struck from one ounce of 99.9% silver and is dedicated to the **Major Mitchell's Cockatoo**. The partially **colored motive** features two Major Mitchell's Cockatoos after the drawings of the British ornithologist and animal painter John Gould. Also included in the design is the inscription "MAJOR MITCHELL'S COCKATOO" and the Privy Mark "JG" designed in honor of John Gould. The reverse features the Niue Coat of Arms as well as the denomination, weight, fineness, and year of issue. Born on the 14th of September 1804 in Dorset, England, John Gould is one of the most famous ornithologists and animal painters of the 19th century. He discovered that the Galápagos finches brought by Charles Darwin formed a distinct group and undertook independent zoological expeditions to Australia. His travels and research resulted in several works on Australia's fauna, including colorful drawings of the Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Lophochroa Leadbeateri), also known as the "Pink Cockatoo". The bird was later named after Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, who was an admirer of the magnificent species, which is notable for its salmon-pink plumage and bright pink and orange feathers on its crest. The range of the cockatoo is restricted to the forests in the semi-arid and arid inland areas of Australia, where conifers and eucalypts in particular are preferred habitats. The limited **1 Oz Major Mitchell's Cockatoo silver proof coin** is delivered in the original box including a numbered certificate of authenticity.