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).
This design is the tenth and final release in the Icons of Inspiration series by APMEX, and features Beethoven.
Born in 1770 in Germany, Ludwig van Beethoven was a groundbreaking composer and pianist whose influence reverberates through the history of classical music. After moving to Vienna to study with Joseph Haydn, Beethoven quickly gained acclaim as a master pianist. Despite facing increasing deafness from 1798 onward, he entered his middle period with revolutionary compositions like the "Eroica Symphony" (Symphony No.3). In his late period, marked by profound introspection, he produced masterpieces such as the Ninth Symphony with the iconic "Ode to Joy." Beethoven's enduring legacy lies in his innovative approach to form, emotion, and expression, shaping the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era and inspiring countless composers beyond his death in 1827. |
| Obverse | |
|---|
Within a beaded border, the reverse features a triumphant image of a muse, arm extended toward the sun, with the (unofficial) seal of the nation of Niue held in her left hand.
The seal has what looks like a plant arrangement at centre, within a double ornamental circle, itself surrounded by a circle of sea shells. This is crowned with St Edward's Crown (of the United Kingdom). Around above between the two, the inscription PUBLIC SEAL OF NIUE. Below that, a ribbon carries the motto ATUA NIUE TUKULAGI on two lines, below which two crossed katoua (Niue fighting clubs).
On two lines to the left, the face value of the coin: TWO DOLLARS. Below, the date of issue 2024. These are also inscribed in the circle with the Public Seal of Niue.
In small letters above the date, the designer's initials JI (for Joel Iskowitz).
Around above, twenty-two five-pointed stars; below the last of them, the engraver's monogram EA (for Emerson Abraham).
Around left, the precious metal content: .999 SILVER 1 OUNCE. |
|
Buy this online from APMEX
Search for Niue: Silver Ounce 2024 Icons of Inspiration - Beethoven on eBay 