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, or are based on the troy ounce - for example, three ounces of silver (abbreviated as 3 oz Ag, where "Ag" comes from the Latin word for silver, Argentum).
This coin features Guan Yu, one of the most famous historical figures of ancient China. He was a remarkable general, a manifestation of courage, wisdom, and honesty. Thanks to his loyalty and heroism he was posthumously recognised as a deity. The coin was inspired by the achievements of an outstanding military strategist and is a real treat for those interested in powerful and charismatic historical figures. |
Obverse | |
The obverse of the coins shows the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait"). The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Machin and the Gottwald portraits. In small letters below, the designer's initials, IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley)
Around above the effigy is the monarch's legend, the date of issue and the face value: ELIZABETH II · NIUE 5 DOLLARS 2020; below the portrait, on two lines Ag 999 3 oz (three troy ounces of 99.9% silver).
The effigy and text are above the centre of the design. Below the effigy, two crossed gold-coloured spears with broad head.
The rest of the are is decorated with an elaborate geometric pattern. |
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