Coin Story: Gambia - Crocodile

Wear what you Love...   AND know its story so you can share it!

This coin from Gambia has a lot of interesting things in its story.  First of all, it is a 7 sided coin, which is not seen too often.  First step to being fun and unique.

Even more interesting is the crocodile featured on the coin.  Often coins feature something significant for the country issuing it, and this is certainly the case here.  The crocodile featured is a "West African Slender Snouted Crocodile."  Say that 3 times fast!

It's ancestors go back 20 million years and have been evolving in isolation ever since. If you aren't aware, crocodiles in general go back more than 230 million years, to around the time of the dinosaur. You might also be surprised to know that their closest living relatives are birds! 

This crocodile is known for an unmistakable long and slender snout, which lacks any bony ridges.  The snout is perfect for capturing fish, which is their main food. This breed of crocodile is a very shy species, and is known for its females being incredibly attentive parents. Each one of these interesting facts is a conversation starter, and your friends will be listening with interest!

It is only found in the West African region, which includes Gambia. Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa, and nearly 50% of its population live in poverty.  The Slender Snouted Crocodile competes with fisherman in this area,  and is critically endangered. So we hope that the fate of this unusual crocodile is protected, but it now makes perfect sense why Gambia honored it with a coin. Awareness may just make a difference!

 Did you know?
Crocodiles symbolize Courage, Strength, and Honor