2018-03-10 Sat

CIT released a new 25 grams Proof 5 Dollars .999 silver partially gilded coin for Cook Islands with a mintage limit of 2,000 pieces at B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprageanstalt, Munich. The obverse features a portrait of Elizabeth II along with other inscriptions like 5 DOLLARS, ELIZABETH II and COOK ISLANDS. The reverse features the front side of Giant Girdled Lizard with the vegetation of the South African veld in the background. The title of the series SHADES OF NATURE '18 is horizontally mirrored while the background is gilded.

It is the first coin form the "Shades of Nature" series which features a reptile. This particular lizard looks very similar to a dragon and is found mostly in South Africa. It has been included in the Red List of Threatened Species and efforts are on for preserving them.

It has huge, keeled, pinnacle-shaped spines. This feature of the animal is realistically represented on the coin using smartminting technology. High relief proof-like finish is applied even on the tiniest surfaces of the spines. Since the background is gilded, the design stands out even more.

Image Courtesy: CIT