2016-03-18 Fri

Paintings are generally meant to adorn walls, but now they will be featured on coins as well. As a part of coins issued under the “The Most Expensive Paintings of All Time Series”, this latest coin from Niue is a real beauty.

The reverse of this square shaped coin depicts a vibrant and colourful painting of Dr. Gachet, Van Gogh’s physician and friend, looking beyond the viewer with a melancholic gaze. His lonely eyes are probably in search of some hope in the distance. The contrasting colours and unique texture are distinctive features of Van Gogh’s painting style. The painting was sold for a whopping 82.5 million dollars.

The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with illustrations of the Queen’s name, the face value of the coin, its issuing country and year.