A semiaquatic member of the weasel family, thanks to its waterproof fur, aerodynamic shape and stabilising tail, the otter is an excellent swimmer and diver. Having declined greatly in the 20th century, the subject of the eleventh and penultimate coin in the bestselling Colourful Creatures series is now, thankfully, on the road to recovery.

With its retractable neck and shield-like shell, the turtle is one of the most peculiar and distinctive animals on the planet. The docile and leisurely nature of the subject of the tenth glow-in-the-dark coin in our bestselling Colourful Creatures series has also made the turtle a popular pet, usually in the form of the land-dwelling tortoise or the semi-aquatic terrapin. There are, however, 356 different species of turtle alive today, although some are highly endangered.

The metamorphosis from the tadpole to the frog is one of nature’s most fascinating and familiar transformations. Typically lasting only 24 hours, and initiated by the production of the hormone thyroxine, this transformation is one that most of us have witnessed and one of the reasons that we are particularly fond of frogs. Showing the agile amphibian in its full glory, the vivid green ninth coin in the Austrian Mint’s glow-in-the-dark Colourful Creatures series is a must for all frog lovers.

Found on every continent except Antarctica, the owl is a mostly solitary and nocturnal bird of prey comprising 200 different species. Its eerie call, squat body and disproportionately large, staring eyes, which are forward-facing rather than on the side of its head, make the owl one of our most idiosyncratic and distinctive birds. The eighth coin in the Austrian Mint’s best-selling glow-in-the-dark Colourful Creatures series, The Owl is as distinctive as the magnificent bird itself.

No other animal inspires such a mix of fear and fascination as the shark. This is not only due to their sharp teeth, dead eyes and torpedo-like build, which give them the appearance of a cold-blooded killer, but also to the fact that their natural environment is one in which we humans feel particularly vulnerable. The seventh coin in our glow-in-the-dark Colourful Creatures series features the most fearsome shark of them all – the Great White.

Found in most tropical and subtropical regions, parrots are, along with the crow family, among the most intelligent birds. The ability of some species of parrot to imitate the human voice makes them popular pets, but has also resulted in them being more exploited than other types of bird. The trapping of wild birds and the ongoing destruction of their natural habitat mean that the global population of this charismatic bird, which features on the stunning sixth coin in our 12-piece Colourful Creatures series, has diminished considerably.

The largest member of the dog family, the wolf is also the only species of Canis to have a range encompassing both the Old and New Worlds. This and the wolf’s long association with humans may explain its unique place in folklore and mythology. Admired and feared in equal measure, Canis Lupus is brought magnificently to life on the fifth coin in our glow-in-the-dark Colourful Creatures series.

Few sights in nature are as spectacular as the contrasting electric blue and orange flash of a kingfisher flying low and fast over water. The bird’s markings are brought to life in vivid detail on the fourth coin in our superb 12-piece glow-in-the-dark Colourful Creatures series, which explores the wonderful world of wildlife. 

With its semi-prehistoric appearance, impressive set of teeth and reputation for being a man-eater, the crocodile is one of the most feared yet fascinating of creatures on our planet. With special appeal for animal lovers and coin collectors of all ages, the Crocodile is the third glow-in-the-dark coin in our dramatic 12-piece Colourful Creatures series of 3 euro coins featuring a glowing selection of animals that show just how wonderful nature is. 

Not only one of the most spectacular and beautiful of animals but also one of the most popular, the tiger is the second coin in our dramatic Colourful Creatures series, which explores the wonderful world of wildlife. Like the tiger itself, the glow-in-the-dark coin becomes active at night, but that is not its only extraordinary feature – all 12 coins in the series are the first ever Austrian 3 euro coins.

Just like certain nocturnal species, the animals featured on the 12 extraordinary coins in our new Colourful Creatures series become active at night − by glowing in the dark. The series has special appeal for children, who can enjoy the coins long after they have gone to bed, but we believe the series is going to prove popular with animal lovers and coin collectors of all ages.