| Coin | Silver Ounce 2009 Humpback Whale |
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The Pitcairn Islands is a non-sovereign British overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean. Having a population of fewer than fifty people, the territory has no need for local coinage and uses the New Zealand dollar as a medium of exchange. Pitcairn Islands began issuing its first commemorative coins in 1988. Though the Pitcairn Islands dollar is not a true currency in the strict sense of the word and is not used as a circulation coinage, it can be lawfully exchanged as tender and is considered a variety of the New Zealand dollar (although it is not legal tender in New Zealand). The Pitcairn Islands dollar exists only because of the coin collecting market, which provides a major staple for the tiny island nation.
The coins are struck by various foreign mints and use internationally popular formats, such as the one troy ounce (1oz) of silver. Some of them are released at prices much higher than their intrinsic value - such as this one - so are classified as Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) (for those sold at a low margin, see the bullion silver ounce section instead).
This coin is part of a New Zealand Mint range dedicated to marine life, and features the Humpback Whale. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy by Raphael David Maklouf known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she used to wear on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.
Normally, the designer's initials are on the neck truncation; however, they are not displayed here.
Around the rim, the monarch's legend, face value and date of issue: ELIZABETH II · TWO DOLLARS · PITCAIRN ISLANDS · 2009 · |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin is coloured and depicts a humpback whale breaching the water.
Around above, the inscription HUMPBACK WHALE, followed by the precious metal content 1 OZ 999 SILVER (one troy ounce of 99.9% silver).
Around below, WHALES FROM THE PITCAIRN ISLANDS. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
HUMPBACK WHALE 1 OZ 999 SILVER WHALES FROM THE PITCAIRN ISLANDS |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: proof, coloured.
Packaging: in capsule and presentation box, with a Certificate of Authenticity from the New Zealand Mint. |
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