Reverse
Obverse
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Area: Caribbean
Animal Class: Mammals
Part of the Fauna Cubana series issued by Cuba in 1981. I believe this series of coins was issued more for collectors, but I am sure some of them must have circulated. This coin has very special meaning to the Zoo Master, as it was given to me by noted numismatist Ingrid K. Smith. Ingrid was working for the Cuban mint at the time of this coin's creation, and personally removed this example from the minting press.
The Cuban Solenodon is one of only two (barely) surviving species of Solenodontidae. This 70-80cm long insectivore is found only in Cuba and was thought to be extinct until a live specimen was found in 2003. If you are lucky enough to spot one, don't bother trying to pick it up as they are prone to freak out and start biting and their saliva is venomous -- one of only a few mammals with a poison bite. Another strange characteristic is the location of the two teats on the female: practically right on their butts.
Approx. Size: 30mm
Area: Caribbean
Coins: 3
Cuba was ruled by Spain until 1898. Spain didn't seem to want to give it up, even though the Cubans fought them for a decade on the issue (1868-78). The fighting started again in 1895 but this time Cuba had the help of the United States, who must have been feeling for them. Independence was finally achieved in 1902. Batista siezed Cuba in 1952, with himself as dictator, of course. Other Cubans didn't like that, and Fidel Castro eventually stormed out of the jungle and took over in 1959. In 1962, Castro formalized a communist-type government. The United States got pretty upset over the whole thing, and proceeded to cause Cuba economic grief that they can't seem to give up on.