One of Bermuda's most rare sea creatures has been commemorated in a new coin launched by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA).

The 2008 Silver Proof Hawksbill Turtle coin, in keeping with the BMA's showcasing of Bermudian flora and fauna, depicts the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle which is found swimming among the coral reefs surrounding the Island.

Each coin retails at $70 and is available at the BMA's Notes and Coins Exhibit at BMA House. The maximum mintage for the coin is 2,500.

The design was adapted from photographs taken by Bermudian photographer Ron Lucas and coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo's Turtle Project.

Chairman of the Authority's board of directors, Alan Richardson, who presented Mr. Lucas with one of the coins in appreciation of his help with the design, said: "It is always a pleasure to see a new edition to the Authority's line of commemorative coin products.

"We are proud of the fact that these coins embody so many of the wonderful and unique aspects of our island home.

"We are grateful to Mr. Lucas for being so generous with his photographs which were the inspiration for this year's coin design."