I don't much like snakes. Having lived in desert southwest of the United States in the past, I've been surprised by quite a few rattlesnakes and even had a couple of close calls. They aren't exactly what I would call a cute and cuddly creatures either. That's probably why so many of us don't much like them. However, they have been revered and even worshipped by civilizations throughout history. Maybe the venomous snakes instilled enough fear that they believed their enemies would fear them as a civilization as well?
A few days ago I had a few extra dollars and decided to invest in some extra silver. I've been collecting silver coins since I was a kid, so when I have extra cash I often invest in precious metals. While looking for something interesting to purchase I came across an item that, although a snake, was really cool! This is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, so this year there will be many snake related items produced. That includes the silver and gold collectibles. Last year was the Year of the Dragon and I've never seen so many silver items with dragons on them in my life. Apparently it is now pouring over into snakes!
Have a look at this silver coin (yes, it is indeed a coin) in the form of a three dimensional cobra:
About the coin:
Pictures and product information from APMEX.com
This is what I would have to call a seriously "badass" coin. Not only is it a three dimensional blackened silver cobra, but it's detailing was done meticulously. It is composed of three Troy ounces of pure silver which is hefty and is a legal tender coin in Samoa. Samoa contracted the MDM Mint located in Germany to produce these and only 888 will be made, making them pretty rare. My only issue with it is the price tag, I don't have an extra $429.99 to put into one right now. In years past when my income was much higher I probably would have already bought one, but unless crypto treats me really nicely this year this is outside my budget... However, this is one of those items that could double or triple in price if few years time!
Year of the Snake
The Chinese zodiac has twelve animals that correspond to years of the Chinese calendar. This is the Year of the Snake. There are also five elements that recur in addition to the Year, these being earth, metal, water , wood an fire. This Year of the Snake happens to be the wood variety. I am far from being an expert on this subject, so I will leave a link to the Wikipedia page that can explain it in detail much more clearly (and I'm sure accurately) than I will be able to!
I liked the Dragon year better personally... Did I mention that I hate snakes?
Samoa
Samoa is an island chain of islands that are archipelagos of volcanic origin in the South Pacific. First inhabited around 3,500 years ago by the expansion of the island dwellers know as the Lapita. The first contact with the west came in the early 1700's but remained in self rule until the 1890's when three nations all wanted to have a claim on the islands. The United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States briefly fought over them but ended the dispute in 1899 by splitting the islands. The eastern islands became American Samoa, the western islands became German Samoa, and the United Kingdom got Tonga, The Solomon Islands, and some other concessions from the Germans.
Then came World War 1 and New Zealand occupied what was German Samoa in September of 1914 and held control until Samoa became independent in 1961. American Samoa remains a US territory until this day. That means they are US citizens but don't have to pay taxes to the US and still get all the benefits. It's not a bad deal!
Samoa is now a vacation destination which makes up most of it's economy. I have never made it to Samoa or American Samoa unfortunately, but I would love to make the trip. Included below are a couple of pictures of beaches and tidal pools found on the islands. It's a exotic tropical vacation destination, on cold rainy days I wouldn't mind being there! For those of you buried in snow I bet you would too!
And just an interesting fact, there are no cobras in Samoa. They do have Pacific boas, a type of blind snake, and venomous sea snakes (but they are found in reefs around the world) but no cobras! So no need to worry about cobras on your Samoan tropical vacation.
kamiselaluberebut.blogspot.com 
wanderingwheatleys.comNot too shabby looking is it? The more I look at those pictures the more I miss living in the tropics, where you can snorkel, scuba dive, and treasure hunt all year long. The good old days...
That pretty much wraps up post this Monday, and I hope you're all having a great start to your week. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and thank you so much for all of your support! It is greatly appreciated, and It's all of you that make Hive a great place to be!
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa
https://www.apmex.com/product/308428/2025-samoa-3-oz-silver-3d-snake-shaped-coin-box-coa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_(zodiac)
Disclaimer:
I am not a financial planner and this isn't financial advice. Please always do your own research before investing your money. You worked hard enough to earn it!
DUO token
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Samoa sure mints a lot of silver coinage lately, I don't think a lot of silver Talas will be repatriated to Samoa when Silver prices hits the big numbers.
!BBH
