Coin | Silver Ounce 2022 Komodo Dragon A.I. Apocalypse |
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Tokelau, known previously as the Tokelau Islands, is a dependent territory of New Zealand in the southern Pacific Ocean. It uses the New Zealand Dollar as circulation currency, but has been issuing a variety of non-circulating coins since 1978, and has also authorised some foreign mints to issue bullion coins under its jurisdiction - including in the internationally popular silver ounce format.
This design is the second issue in a Scottsdale Mint series featuring the Komodo Dragon.
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), also known as the Komodo monitor, is a member of the monitor lizard family Varanidae that is endemic to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. It is the largest extant species of lizard, growing to a maximum length of 3 m, and weighing up to 70 kg.
This design shows the lizard in an imaginary post-apocalyptic future which could result from the expansion of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). |
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Obverse | |
The obverse of the coins 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.
Normally, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley) are below the portrait when it is used; however, they are not displayed here.
Around the effigy is the monarch's legend, the date of issue and the value: ELIZABETH II · TOKELAU · 2022 TWO DOLLARS.
Above the value and denomination, divided by the Queen's portrait, the precious metal content: 1 oz 999 SILVER (one troy ounce of 99.9% silver).
Below the Queen's effigy, the national badge of Tokelau depicting a "tuluma" - a traditional Tokelauan carved wooden “tackle box” used by local fishermen. A cross in the centre of the tuluma and the inscription below, TOKELAU MO TE ATUA ("Tokelau for God") reflect the strong influence of Christianity in Tokelau.
The rim is decorated with a geometric pattern. |
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Reverse | |
The reverse design depicts a Komodo dragon in a post-apocalyptic world, with broken down buildings in the background and streets littered with human remains. The dragon has stepped on a human skull, with another skull in front.
Around below, the inscription KOMODO DRAGON A.I. APOCALYPSE. |
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Reverse Inscription |
KOMODO DRAGON A.I. APOCALYPSE |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Notes | Finish: bullion (Brilliant Uncirculated) - 15,000 coins, or antique - 3,000 coins. Packaging: individual coin in capsule or 20 in mint tube (bullion), or capsule and chipboard (antique). Release date: April 2023. |
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