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1 Dollar - Elizabeth II Parnassius Apollo
| Issuer | Government of Niue |
|---|---|
| Year | 2010 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 26.28 g |
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| Reverse description | The reverse depicts a naturalistic, full-color printed representation of the Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo) resting among alpine flora, rendered with fine entomological detail including the characteristic red ocelli on the hindwings and the black-spotted white forewings. The butterfly is shown in lateral view with wings partially spread, perched upon flowering plants and foliage rendered in high-relief sculptural silver surrounding the colored insert. The species name PARNASSIUS APOLLO is inscribed in relief along the right rim, arcing from lower to upper right. The finely detailed botanical background of leaves, stems, and blossoms occupies the entire field, seamlessly integrating the colorized and struck elements. |
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| Mintage | 2010 mw - Proof - 8,000 |
| Additional information |
Niue has operated a prolific collector coin program since the 1990s, licensing its sovereign issuing authority to external mints — primarily the New Zealand Mint — to produce themed silver pieces for the international numismatic market. This Apollo butterfly issue is part of that arrangement, with Niue functioning essentially as a legal issuer of record rather than a country with any domestic demand for the coin.
Parnassius apollo, the Apollo butterfly, is a protected species across much of Europe under the Bern Convention, its alpine habitat fragmented enough that several national populations are considered endangered.