Gold Ounce 2023 Golden Eagle, Coin from Samoa - detailed information

The obverse of the coin features the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait", by Ian Rank-Broadley). 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. Below the neck truncation, the designer's initials IRB.

Given that Samoa has been a republic since it gained independence in 1962, it is unclear why the Queen's effigy is displayed on the coin (not to mention that she died in 2022).

Below the portrait, a small Coat of Arms of Samoa. It consists of a shield, the lower two-thirds of which have five stars representing the constellation of the Southern Cross; the upper third depicts a beach and a coconut palm. The shield is surmounted by a cross with rays radiating from its centre, and is superimposed on two concentric circles representing the world, and an olive branch wreath - as in the United Nations Badge. On a ribbon below, the motto FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA, meaning "God be the Foundation of Samoa".

Around above, the name of the country and the date of issue: SAMOA 2023. The precious metal content 1 oz Au 999 is inscribed around below left; it means "one troy ounce of 99.9% gold" - Au is abbreviated from Aurum, the Latin word for gold. Around below right, the face value 2 DOLLARS.

The reverse of the coin shows a close-up image of an eagle. In the background, another eagle in flight, with open talons.

Around above, the precious metal content 1 oz Au .999 (one troy ounce of 99.9% silver).

Around below left, the name of the series: GOLDEN EAGLE.

Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated, proof-like.
Packaging: in protective capsule.
Date of issue: December 2022.