Silver Three Ounces 2021 Bactrian Cybele Disk, Coin from Cook Islands - detailed information

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.

Collector coins are dedicated to historical or general popular culture themes not related to the country itself. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes, including the large three ounces of silver format - such as this coin.

The Mint says about this coin:
The Bactrian Cybele Disk coin is the seventh issue in the Archaeology and Symbolism series. We take the relief even further with enhanced Smartminting technology which brings the 2200 year old disk to life. The coin has an antique or silk finish and is struck on a huge 3 oz pure .999 silver 65mm blank in the highest quality possible.

The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom was a kingdom in central Asia. It lasted from approximately the mid-3rd century BC until the 1st century BC. Its most important cities were Ai-Khanoum and Bactria, founded by Alexander the Great. Both cities were located on important trade routes towards Asia both through lowlands and the mountains. The area flourished and much sophisticated temples, buildings and artefacts where made. One, the Bactrian Disk, was found in Ai-Khanoum.

The Bactrian Disk depicts the goddess Cybele in her chariot drawn by lions towards a sacrifice. She was believed to be the mother of the mountains. Her roots are from the area of the Bactrian Kingdom from where Greek explorers brought her stories back and incorporated it into Greek culture. The disk or plaque is from the 2nd century BC, measures 25 cm in diameter and is partially gilded. The disk is now in the national museum in Kabul.