Silver Three Ounces 2021 Asian Mythology - Zhao Gongming, 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 "Zhao Gong Ming" coin is the second issue in the "Asian Mythology" series. The coin has an antique finish with partial gilding and is struck on a 3 oz pure silver 50mm blank in the highest quality. A limited mintage of only 333 pieces worldwide and comes in a beautiful box with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Zhao Gongming is a mythical person related in popular belief in fortune as the God of Money and health as the God of Pestilence. Zhao came from Zhongnan (China) and lived during the late Warring States period (5th - 3rd century BC). He is often depicted with an official’s cap and an iron club as a symbol of power. Stories about his history tell that he had a black face, a long beard and was riding on a tiger. He was able to chase away thunder and lightning and invoke clouds and rain. His most important religious function was to dispel pestilence and to ward off natural disasters. He also functions as a judge who rectifies unjust verdicts. In this capacity, he is commonly called Caishen, the God of Money.