1 Dollar Swordfish, Gold Proof Issue

Palau adopted the US dollar as its official currency following the Compact of Free Association with the United States, which came into full effect in 1994. That arrangement left Palauan authorities with no central bank and no independent monetary policy — collector issues like this one were essentially the only avenue through which Palau could produce coinage at all, with mintage rights exercised through licensing agreements rather than sovereign minting infrastructure.

The swordfish series was part of a broader marine-themed program that leaned heavily on Palau's reputation as a world-class dive destination. KM#83 is a 1/25 oz format piece, struck by the BH Mayer mint in Germany.