| Coin | Silver Ounce 2012 Iris Barbata |
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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. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes - typically, one ounce of silver (abbreviated as 1 oz Ag, where "Ag" comes from the Latin word for silver, Argentum). Many of these feature flora themes (various plants).
This coin is part of a series by B.H. Mayer dedicated to iris flowers, and depicts an Iris Barbata.
The Mint says about it:
"Silver coins issued by Niue Island acquaint us with magnificent Irises and sceneries of the countries where these flowers grow. Capturing full colour image of yellow-brown Iris Barbata, the reverse design of the silver coin charms with its skilful execution and elegance.
The image of the irises is set against engraved background with Parthenon in Athens; the Latin name of the flower is engraved at the top. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and its personification. The divine being was usually represented as a charming girl, beautiful and light, with two iridescent wings behind her back. In honour of this bright and colourful goddess the irises were named - little droplets of the rainbow spilled across the Earth.
Silver coins of a high quality with exquisite Irises may serve as worthy gift and stunning keepsake." |
| Mint | B. H. Mayer |
Mint Mark | No mint mark |
Total Mintage |
7,000
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.
Incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).
Around, the monarch's legend, the face value and the date of issue. ELIZABETH II · NIUE · ONE DOLLAR 2012.
(note: mint-supplied images show the designer's initials but on the actual coins minted they seem not to be displayed?) |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse is coloured, and shows Iris Barbata flowers in the foreground. In the background, the Parthenon in Athens.
Around above, the inscription Iris Barbata. Below right, the hallmark Ag 925, meaning 0.925 silver (Ag is abbreviated from the Latin word for silver, Argentum). |
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| Reverse Inscription |
Iris Barbata Ag 925 |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: proof, coloured (pad printing).
Packaging: boxed, with Certificate of Authenticity.
Krause lists the coin as dated 2013. |
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| See also |
Coins by B.H. Mayer featuring flowers include:
- 1 oz Silver, Iris Barbata, 2012
- 1 oz Silver, Iris Florentina, 2012
- 1 oz Silver, Iris Siberica, 2012
- 1 oz Silver, Lilium Armenum, 2012
- 1 oz Silver, Lilium Pardalinum, 2012
- 1 oz Silver, Lilium Speciosum, 2012
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