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 a Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Mint says about it:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed enjoying a growing popularity among dog fanciers - and deservedly so! Bernese Mountain Dog is a wise, calm and devoted family companion. They are very muscular and have a thick fur with distinctive symmetrical colouring. Although representatives of this breed may command respect with their massive body and sizeable proportions, in fact they are really cuddlesome pets, simply born to be hugged and played with!
Bernese Mountain Dogs stem from Switzerland. Initially, they were used as farm dogs; however, since the beginning of the 20th century, they were appreciated by dog fanciers and earned huge popularity among the middle class. Today the "Berners" are kept as family companions, and are not used for work any more."
Decoration: digital printing.
Quality: Proof.
Boxed. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity.
Date of issue: January 2015. | 
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