| Coin | Silver Ounce 2012 Lilium Armenum |
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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 lily flowers, and depicts an Lilium Armenum.
The Mint says about it:
"Armenian lily (Lilium armenum) forms huge colonies among the subalpine tall grasses of the Caucasus. The image of beautiful light yellow lilies is executed against the engraved imprint of the monastery complex Agartsin and the Ijevan mountain range. The plant is listed in the Red Book of Armenia. Many legends and myths are composed about this elegant and majestic flower. The image of a lily, valued for subtle beauty, was widely used in the decorative arts of antiquity and in medieval mystical literature and art." |
| 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 used to wear 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 Armenian lily flowers in the foreground. In the background, the Agartsin monastery and Ijevan mountain in Armenia.
Around above, the inscription Lilium armenum. 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 |
Lilium armenum 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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