1 Dollar - Elizabeth II Raphael

Part of a miniature gold series issued by the Solomon Islands featuring Old Master paintings, this piece was struck by a private mint under license rather than produced for any circulation purpose — a common arrangement for the Pacific island nations whose names appear on collectible bullion and novelty issues far outnumbering their actual monetary needs. The Solomon Islands' central bank has authorized dozens of such programs, effectively leasing its sovereignty for numismatic revenue.