Niue, a sovereign state in free association with New Zealand, uses two official legal tender currencies. The New Zealand Dollar is the circulation currency for daily transactions, while the government also authorises legal tender coins in the Niue Dollar currency for collector's purposes.
A number of mints issue a large variety of commemorative, bullion and collector coins under the authority of Niue. These coins are dedicated to historical or general popular culture themes not related to Niue itself.
Some coins are marketed in standard bullion sizes, like half ounce silver, one ounce silver etc, and some of those are also denominated as $1, for which see respective lists. This coin, denominated as One Niue Dollar, is not in a standard ounce-based size and is made using a "smartminting" technique - meaning that it has features not generally found in circulation coins.
This coin is part of the Man's Best Friends series and features an Arabian Horse.
The Mint says about it: "They are noble and elegant, yet strong and robust. Thanks to distinctive blend of grace and strength, Arabian horses are the epitome of classical equine beauty.
Vivid images of hot-blooded Arabian horses dynamically reflect sheer beauty of these gentle animals. Thanks to high-quality digital printing the image of the palfrey depicted on the coin looks strikingly lifelike. The project alludes to the desert landscape of the Arabian Peninsula - the cradle of the Arabian horse. Arabians, as they are often referred to, are very intelligent, good-natured and willing to please. No wonder that these delightful animals are the subject of many legends. One of them states that Muhammad, after a strenuous desert journey, tested his mares' loyalty by turning them back from a waterhole. Only five of the desperately thirsty animals responded. These faithful mares became the legendary founders of the pure-blood Arabian breed." |