The Dreamtime stories of Australia’s Aboriginal peoples express a rich legacy of ecological and ethical wisdom, shared cultural touchstones, and mythical and religious traditions. One famous Dreamtime story — part of the legends associated with a “clever man” and cultural hero named Wurrunna — comes from Nyoongar country at Australia’s southwestern tip. Wurrunna, a man of magical powers, transforms two of his brothers into swans in a complicated scheme to distract their enemies during a raid for weapons, and they have an unfortunate encounter with some eagle-hawks as a result that leads to their white plumage being replaced by the black plumage of friendly crows. The complex and whimsical tale is the inspiration for the 2022 Antique Colorized Maali Black Swan 2 oz Silver Coin now available from Provident Metals.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in an elegant display case inside colorful box packaging!
• Issued in 2022 by the Perth Mint!
• Limited mintage of only 2,000 pieces worldwide!
• Contains 2 Troy oz of .999 pure silver.
• Face value of $2 (AUD) backed by the Australian government.
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Obverse side features an official effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
• Reverse side features an original design by Kevin Bynder celebrating the Nyoongar black swan Dreamtime story.

The 2022 Antique Colorized Maali Black Swan Silver Coin comes nestled in an elegant display case inside a colorful box sporting Aboriginal artistic motifs. Shipping fully insured against loss or damage, each coin comes with its own individualized Certificate of Authenticity.

Obverse

The coin’s obverse side features an effigy of the late British monarch Elizabeth II, confirming it as legal tender. It also carries the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “AUSTRALIA,” “2 oz 9999 Ag,” “2022,” and “2 DOLLARS.”

Reverse

The reverse side features a gorgeous colorized design by Kevin Bynder, a Whadjuk-Yuet-Ballardong artist and teacher from Nyoongar country, showing an Aboriginal-styled silver swan against a vivid multi-chromatic backdrop.

History

The cultural hero Wurrunna in Nyoongar country features in multiple Dreamtime stories. He’s a “clever man” full of sorcerous wiles and schemes, some of which work and others of which have a way of going awry, and often he serves as an example of the consequences of getting a touch too clever for one’s own good. The black swan story in the Nyoongar tradition comes from one of his schemes: he shapeshifts two of his brothers into white swans so that, when they parade on the waters of a distant lake where such birds are unknown, they will provoke wonderment and distract his enemies. Unfortunately, they also attract the attention of the local eagle-hawks, who punish the intrusion by stripping the swans’ feathers. Re-clothed by the donated black plumage of friendly crows, the brothers become the source of today’s black swan or “maali,” with red beaks memorializing their misadventure.

Ordering

Provident Metals is always happy to answer questions about any of our listings. Call us today at 800-313-3315, chat with us live online, or send inquiries to our e-mail address.