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 movie characters. Some are also in innovative shapes, such as "Chibi".
Chibi (ちび or チビ) is a Japanese slang word describing something short (a thing, an animal or a person). The term is widely used to describe a specific style of caricature where characters are drawn in an exaggerated way: small and chubby, with stubby limbs and oversized heads. Coins of this type look like cartoon characters and have their corresponding shape; they are also very thick for their size.
This coin features Minnie Mouse and is the second Chibi coin in a series featuring Disney characters.
The Mint says about it: "This sensational Disney Minnie Mouse Chibi Coin is fashioned from 1oz of pure silver. It has been shaped and coloured to represent the iconic fashionista in the Chibi art style. It shows Minnie wearing her trademark bow, white bloomers, gloves and oversized high heel pumps. The opposite side of the coin features the Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Despite its shape, this coin is still legal tender!
Inside an acrylic case, this unique Disney collectible is protected by a specially moulded insert. The outer box is themed with Mickey Mouse and friends - naturally, Minnie features front and centre. The box includes a large window so the coin inside can be easily displayed." |