The Bezoar Ibex of Armenia (Capra aegagrus aegagrus) is a species of mountain-dwelling goat. However, you only need to take one look at those stupendously long horns (which can reach nearly the full length of its body!) to know that this is not your everyday barnyard goat! This large animal is extemely adept at surviving in the dry and mountainous terrain most other mammals find inhospitable. In fact, if left unmolested and unhunted, the Bezoar Ibex can naturally be found in herds of up to 500 animals, though males live solitary lives and are driven from the herd upon reaching sexual maturity. Females (does) usually give birth to a single kid. In the wild the Bezoar Ibex can live for over twenty years.

Although not critically endangered over much of its range, it is seen less frequently in Armenia than it used to be, and has found its way onto the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) red list, where it is considered "vulnerable" and "threatened". The Bezoar Ibex has been forced by man's activities to the higher reaches within its range. Larger, older males have become particularly difficult to find, due to sport hunting for their sizable horns.

This is the ninth entry in the ongoing "Wild World of the Caucasus - Endangered Species of Armenia" coin program. Each coin features an animal that is on the Red Book of Armenia endangered or protected species list. This fact is well-illustrated on each coin by the two red lines that underscore the animal's names in Latin and Armenian.

Click here to see the other coins in the Endangered Species programs!

Investment Note
This coin has a total mintage of only 3,000, which is very low for such a reasonably-priced silver proof. Taking into account the large size (nearly 39 mm in diameter, or crown-sized), the animal theme featuring an endangered species, the colorization, and the beauty of the design, we feel that this is a great buy-and-hold for any numismatic portfolio. All previous entries in this series have shown significant (and in some cases, extremely dramatic) appreciation above the issue price.

Obverse

A superbly realistic depiction of the endangered Armenian Bezoar Ibex, surveying the rocky scrubland it calls home. The scientific (Latin genus and species) name CAPRA AEGAGRUS appears above and the animal's Armenian name appears below, while the red stripes underscoring the names emphasize its endangered status.

In the center, the national coat of arms of Armenia. The legend REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA in English and Armenian, as well as the date of issue and the denomination are also indicated.

Click here for the more great coins minted by the Mint of Poland!

Packaging

Each coin is encapsulated and is technically described as "Brilliant Uncirculated." However, the coins exhibit fully-mirrored fields and frosted cameo relief on the designs. We believe that these are therefore proof-finish commemoratives, struck with proof dies on specially-prepared proof planchets.

Specifications