The Cook Islands, a sovereign state in free association with New Zealand, uses two official legal tender currencies. The New Zealand Dollar circulates in parallel with the local Cook Islands Dollar; at the same time, the government also authorises many legal tender coins in the Cook Islands Dollar currency for collector's purposes. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes, including one ounce of silver - such as this coin.
The Mint says about this coin: This stunning ultra high relief coin has its beginnings to a coin that was struck over 2500 years ago! The turtle was used during ancient Greek times as a monetary symbol and was struck on coins that were first made on the island of Aegina in the south of Greece. Today, the original ancient turtle coins are highly prized and extremely valuable.
Do you know the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Both are reptiles with bodies encased in a bony shell. But compared to turtles which live in water and have flippers a tortoise is an exclusive land animal with elephant-like hind legs and can't swim.
CIT is proud to release this brand new issue which captures every detail in stunning smartminting© ultra high relief. The tortoise’s iconic shell that they call their home stretches unbelievably high from the surface of the coin. Its legs and head combined with his shell make it look like the tortoise is walking across the coin! The coin is struck in an antique finish to pay tribute to the ancient coins of the past.
Fun Fact: Many turtles and tortoises enjoy being rubbed or scratched, particularly on their necks, and they will often stretch their necks right out to allow you to hit the right spot! |