What animal is on the 1 cent coin?

The animal depicted on the Australian 1 cent coin is the feather-tailed glider.

The Feather-tailed Glider: A Unique Marsupial

The reverse side of the Australian 1 cent coin features a detailed representation of the feather-tailed glider (Acrobates pygmaeus). This tiny marsupial, native to eastern Australia, is renowned for its remarkable ability to glide using a membrane that extends from its elbows to its knees. It is the smallest gliding possum in the world, typically weighing only 10 to 15 grams.

Key characteristics of the feather-tailed glider include:

• Size: Approximately 6.5 cm to 8 cm long, with a tail of similar length.
• Appearance: Greyish-brown fur on its back, white belly, and large eyes. Its most distinctive feature is its flattened, feather-like tail, which acts as a rudder during glides.
• Habitat: Primarily arboreal, living in eucalypt forests and woodlands.
• Diet: Feeds on nectar, pollen, insects, and honeydew.
• Nocturnal: Active mainly at night.

History of the Australian 1 Cent Coin

The Australian 1 cent coin was an integral part of Australia's decimal currency system, first introduced on 14 February 1966. The design featuring the feather-tailed glider was created by Stuart Devlin and has remained unchanged throughout the coin's circulation period.

The decision to feature native Australian fauna on the new decimal coins was a way to celebrate the country's unique wildlife. While the 1 cent coin (along with the 2 cent coin) was eventually withdrawn from circulation on 1 February 1992 due to inflation reducing its purchasing power and rising production costs, its design remains a notable piece of Australian numismatic history.

Here's a quick overview of the 1 cent coin's key facts:

The enduring image of the feather-tailed glider on the 1 cent coin serves as a reminder of Australia's rich biodiversity and its connection to its unique natural heritage.