Silver Two Ounces 2019 Guan Yu, Coin from Niue - detailed information

The obverse of the coin 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 head, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley).

Around the effigy is the monarch's legend, the date of issue and the value: ELIZABETH II FIVE DOLLARS 2019 Ag999.

Around right, the hallmark Ag999 (99.9% silver; "Ag" is abbreviated from Argentum, the Latin word for silver, and is internationally used to mark silver coins and jewellery), followed by the small MW mint mark of the Mint of Poland (m over W), for Mennica Warszawska (Mint of Warsaw).

The effigy and legend are in a small circle on the right (note that the legend does not actually say NIUE). The rest of the surface is taken by an intricate depiction of a Chinese dragon. The date of issue 2019 is below.

The reverse of the coin depicts legendary Chinese warrior Guan Yu, in full armour and on horseback, fighting against dragons. His battle axe, whose head is shaped like a dragon, is gold plated.

Above right, the inscription GUAN YU, below which the same in Chinese: 關羽.

Finish: antique, selective gold plating, high relief, edge lettering with the unique serial number of each coin.
Packaging: in timber display box with illustrated shipper, and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Date of issue: February 2020.

The coin series is designed and marketed by the Mint of Gdansk, whose brand is on the certificate. The coin itself has been struck by the Mint of Poland, whose mint mark is on the obverse.

Coins featuring Chinese Heroes and issued for Niue:
- 2 oz Silver Antique Coloured, Guan Yu 2019
- 2 oz Silver Antique (with gemstone insert), Guan Yu 2021
- 2 oz Silver Antique Coloured, Liu Bei 2021