Royal Lion Gold Coin From the Cook Islands.
This 24 carat gold coin has a face value of one dollar, and weighs just half a gramme. It was originally issued under 'The Smallest Gold Coins of the World Collection' by Westminster.
The coins are issued in a capsule, without a box or certificate.
The Cook Islands are a bunch of islands in the South Pacific ocean only 2,000 miles to the north west of New Zealand. The country has an area of only 93 square miles and a population of 17,000. One of its main industries appears to be producing commemorative coins for collectors. Its capital is Avarua, situated on the island of Rarotonga, and there are probably less than 17,000 people outside the Islands who know that. Four of its islands are claimed by the United States, but as the CIA website lists no current international disputes, it appears unlikely that hostilities will occur in the foreseeable future.
The Islands were discovered by the Portuguese navigator Alvaro de Mendada in 1595, English navigator James Cook visited the Islands on three occasions between 1773 and 1777. They were declared a British protectorate in 1888, and were annexed to New Zealand in 1901, and granted internal self-government in 1965, apparently they made a pig's ear of it, and are heavily subsidised by New Zealand.
Although Cook Islands do issue its own circulation coins, all its gold coins are commemorative issues, mainly proofs. Most of them are very attractive although there is a series of very small gold coins, which means you would need a magnifying glass to fully appreciate their beauty.
The obverse shows the forth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, by Ian Rank-Broadley.
The reverse design features The Royal Lion holding a crowned shield. The inscription reads:
THE ROYAL LION
DIEU ET MON DROIT
Metal | Gold |
Weight / Size | 0.5 Gram |
Gold Weight Troy Ounces | 0.016 |
Fineness / Carat | 0.9999 / 24 |
Date | 2008 |
Obverse Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley |
Reverse Designer | Unknown |
Mint / Brand | Westminster |
Country | Cook Islands |
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Bullion coins are provided as is and on occasion may have some minor scratches or edge knocks. These are not regarded as faulty or damaged goods as their precious metal content and value as a bullion coin is not affected. Any coin sold for a value less than a 180% intrinsic is considered a bullion coin.
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If your product is not a graded coin and is considered a bullion item, it should be noted that these are bought and sold on low premiums over their precious metal content and not solely for aesthetic purposes; therefore, some products may have edge knocks and/or marks. These edge knocks and marks do not alter the specifications of the coins.
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