Cook Islands has issued lunar-themed dollars under New Zealand's monetary umbrella since the 1990s, with the series functioning almost entirely as a bullion and collector vehicle rather than circulating currency. The irregular dimensions here reflect a shaped-planchet format that became increasingly common among Pacific island jurisdictions in the 2000s as mints competed for novelty-driven collector markets.
Cook Islands has issued lunar-themed dollars under New Zealand's monetary umbrella since the 1990s, with the series functioning almost entirely as a bullion and collector vehicle rather than circulating currency. The irregular dimensions here reflect a shaped-planchet format that became increasingly common among Pacific island jurisdictions in the 2000s as mints competed for novelty-driven collector markets.