Silver Ounce 2015 Year of the Goat, Coin from Pitcairn Islands - detailed information

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 selectively gold-plated silver proof coin is part of a range issued by the New Zealand Mint to mark the Chinese 2014 Year of the Goat (19 February 2015 - 7 February 2016).

The Goat is the eighth animal in the twelve year Zodiac cycle. Symbolising such character traits as creativity, intelligence, dependability, and calmness, those born during the Year of the Goat love to dream and ponder. Those born during this Lunar Year are often quiet of personality and very fond of nature.