The Republic of Palau is an island country in the western Pacific, in free association with the United States. In one way or another, the country has been under US administration since it was established, and has never had its own separate currency - it has always used the US Dollar. However, Palau allows some foreign mints to issue coins under its authority; these are denominated in US Dollars but are only legal tender in Palau, so can in a way be considered to be in "Palau Dollars", even though such a currency does not officially exist.
The coins are usually dedicated to historical or general popular culture themes not related to the country itself. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes, including the large two troy ounces (2oz) of silver format.
The Lotus coin is the fourth issue in the coloured Flowers series.
The Mint says about it: Lotus flowers tend to grow along slow-moving rivers, ponds, and deltas. The flower drops more than a few hundred thousand seeds every year, most of which get eaten by animals. These seeds remain dormant for long periods of time while the water bodies dry out. Then during floods, the lotus flower seeds that laid dormant then spread outwards, starting a new lotus colony.
The lotus flower is an important symbol of many cultures and even cuisines. For example, in Korea, the lotus flower petals get dried and used for tea. The lotus roots can also be eaten as vegetables. Beyond that, the flower is also a spiritual symbol in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It takes the role as a sacred flower, representing a way towards spiritual enlightenment. It also used to be an important symbol in ancient Egypt.
The coin is partly coloured and struck on a piedfort 2 oz .999 Silver 38.61mm blank in the highest quality. |