(presumably full of
carbohydrates; was it pasta?), then fell asleep , thus became the last animal to cross the finish
line.
And so the order of the 12 animals in the twelve year cycle of the
Chinese Lunar Zodiac was determined, with Rat opening the cycle and Pig
closing it out.
Obverse
The twelve creatures of the Chinese Lunar Zodiac race for the finish
line of the Great Lunar Zodiac Race. There are no legends on this side
to detract from the drama of the vignette.
Reverse
Her Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth II,
in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty
wearing a tiara and pearl earrings, was executed by the
sculptor
Ian Rank Broadley. The legend ELIZABETH II, the date of issue
and
denomination also appear, while the legend 5 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees
the weight and purity.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a highly polished, solid wood,
clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and
protected by a stylish outer box. An individually-numbered certificate
of
authenticity is included.
Images featuring the
edge
and certificate numbers are mint-supplied images intended for general
reference only.
Serial
numbers on images are NOT indicative of the serial number you will
receive!
Specifications
Country |
Niue |
Year
of Issue |
2021 |
|
|
Face
Value |
8 Dollars |
Weight |
157.60
g |
Diameter |
65
mm |
Mintage
Limit |
888 |
|
|
Finish |
Proof
with Selective 24-Karat Gold Plating (Gilding) |
Composition |
.999
Fine (Pure) Silver |
Edge |
Serrated
(milled, reeded) with Serial Number Edge Lettering |
|
|
Artist |
Reverse: Ian Rank Broadley |
Certificate |
Individually Numbered |
Niue
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific. Although it is
completely self-governing and independent, it remains in free
association with New Zealand, a member of the British Commonwealth of
Nations, hence the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its
coinage. The country is located about 1,450 miles northeast of New
Zealand. It is closest to Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. It is one
of the largest coral islands in the world, with a total area of 260
square kilometers. Niueans are predominantly Polynesian; most are
bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English.