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1 Dollar - Elizabeth II Nativity scene
| Issuer | Niue |
|---|---|
| Year | 2015 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Dollar |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Right-facing effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, diademed and draped, as designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, occupying the central field of the square flan. The legend 'ELIZABETH II' runs vertically along the left border and '1 DOLLAR' horizontally across the upper border, with 'NIUE' vertically along the right border and '2015' vertically along the lower right. The engraver's initials 'IRB' appear below the portrait, and the purity mark 'Ag999' is inscribed in the lower left field. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse description | Richly colored and high-relief depiction of the Nativity scene filling the entire square field. The central composition shows the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph beside the infant Jesus lying in a manger, accompanied by an ox and an ass, with the three Magi approaching from the right bearing gifts. The scene is set within a stone stable or grotto rendered in fine relief, with a dramatic star-lit sky above. The upper register features an elaborately gilded Gothic architectural frieze with pointed arches and tracery rendered in gold and amber colorization, evoking the style of a medieval altarpiece. The overall composition is enhanced by polychrome coloring applied to the figures' robes and architectural elements. |
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| Additional information |
Niue has operated as a prolific licensing hub for themed silver issues since the 1990s, contracting with the New Zealand Mint and other producers to generate collector revenue for a government with virtually no domestic tax base. The island's population hovers around 1,500, making its role as a coin-issuing authority entirely a revenue mechanism rather than a function of monetary need.
These small-format 15g issues were produced in substantial numbers for the European Catholic collector market, primarily distributed through dealers in Poland, Germany, and Austria.