| Coin | Silver Ounce 2012 Iris Florentina |
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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 Florentina.
The Mint says about it:
"Irises are immensely popular for huge varieties of garden blooms and widely used in landscaping, beautifying gardens and back yards.
The reverse of this amazing silver coin features colourised image of charming white flowers of “Iris Florentina”. Irises are displayed against the Florence Cathedral which is presented in the background. Alluring white irises decorate Florence, place where Iris Florentina was cultivated for the first time, since the Middle Ages, they perfectly set off the beauty of the Tuscan landscape. The planting of the irises in Tuscany is a matter of great consideration. The Society of Florence Iris Lovers holds an annual international competition among amateur and professional gardeners, the essence of which is to select the most quality-grown iris flower, which is featured on the Florence city emblem." |
| 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 and the date: 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 Florentina flowers in the foreground. In the background, the Florence Cathedral, formally the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.
Around above, the inscription Iris Florentina. 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 Florentina 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. |
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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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