1 Dollar - Elizabeth II Diana - Princess of Wales

Historical Context: The 2007 Cook Islands 1 Dollar coin, commemorating Diana, Princess of Wales, issued a decade after her tragic passing, epitomizes the modern numismatic trend of smaller Commonwealth nations leveraging globally recognized figures for collector-oriented issues. During Elizabeth II's extended reign, many such commemorative pieces, often non-circulating legal tender (NCLT), were produced by jurisdictions like the Cook Islands, a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. This strategy capitalized on international collector demand, transforming royal iconography into a significant revenue stream for these issuing authorities.

Artistry: While specific engraver attribution for modern commemorative issues from the Cook Islands is often unrecorded in public mint archives, the design typically reflects a contemporary commemorative aesthetic. The obverse would feature a standard, dignified effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, likely one of the widely adopted portraits by artists such as Ian Rank-Broadley. The reverse, depicting Diana, Princess of Wales, would employ a realistic, often photorealistic, portraiture style, aiming for immediate recognition and evoking her public persona. The choice of gold-plated copper-nickel underscores a commercial artistic approach, prioritizing visual appeal and accessibility for collectors over intrinsic precious metal value.

Technical/Grading: For this 25-gram, 38.6-millimeter gold-plated copper-nickel coin, grading critically depends on the integrity and preservation of its plating. High points most susceptible to wear and plating loss include the highest relief areas on Queen Elizabeth II's effigy (e.g., crown details, hair, cheekbone) and on Diana's portrait (e.g., hair strands, nose, chin, and any intricate design elements). Collectors must meticulously inspect for any breaks, rubs, or discoloration in the gold plating, as these imperfections significantly impact eye appeal and diminish the coin's grade. Original mint luster, though secondary to plating condition, should be vibrant and free from obtrusive hairlines or contact marks.