2001 Cat Coins

Coin shown approximately
2 times actual 38.6 mm size
(click image to see 
front & back views)

The Somali is named after the country Somalia which borders on what used to be ancient Abyssinia, now Ethiopia.  It is a moderate-sized cat with soft, medium-length fur and a bushy tail which has earned it the nickname of "fox cat". Somalis are also referred to as "longhaired Abyssinians", since Abyssinians are the "parent breed" of the Somali breed.  Somalis are sweet-faced, lithe, muscular cats with an overall impression of alertness, intelligence and keen curiosity.  

Somalis are ticked cats. Each hair on their bodies has bands of darker color, sometimes as many as 10 or 12 in a Somali. The ticking is darker than the base color, giving the impression of a gloss or shimmer to the cat.  The ticking usually causes a darker shine of color along the cat's back and on the tip of its brushy tail, and gives the cat an exotic, wild look.  The four basic coat colors are tawny, cinnamon (sorrel), blue and beige-fawn, plus these four colors in the silver range.  It takes a long time for the beautiful richly colored coat to develop fully; kittens are born very dark and only achieve a fully ticked, ruddy brown or reddish coloring at about 18 months old.

The Somali's nature is vigorous, athletic and playful and curious. They are even-tempered and easy to handle and ideal for gentle children. They are very quiet cats with a soft voice which they don't use a great deal.  For those who want a "party animal" who enjoys people and games, the Somali is an ideal choice.

Coin shown approximately
2 times actual 38.6 mm size
(click image to see 2 times actual scan showing front & back views)

The 2001 Somali Kittens coin is also available in one troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of .999 fine Silver in a Proof quality.  Proof coins have the coin background polished to a deep mirror finish prior to the coin being "struck".  Then, the coin is struck multiple times so that the raised areas have a pleasant frosted appearance. The result is a very beautiful coin.  This coin has an issue limit of 50,000 pieces, and comes with a "Certificate of Issue" in an attractive presentation case.

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