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2 Dollars - Elizabeth II Monarch Butterfly
| Issuer | Government of Niue |
|---|---|
| Year | 2016 |
| Type | Collector coin |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse depicts a naturalistic scene of Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in various stages of flight and rest, rendered across a densely engraved background of foliage in fine matte relief. Select butterflies are highlighted with vivid orange, black, and white colour application, creating a striking contrast against the monochrome silver field. The composition evokes the iconic mass migration of the Monarch butterfly, with specimens shown both alighting upon leaves and ascending into the open upper field. The inscription '1 oz 999 Fine Silver' appears along the upper right periphery in small Roman lettering. |
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| Additional information |
Niue has long served as a vehicle for New Zealand-administered commemorative programs, with its nominal face value coins functioning entirely as collectibles rather than circulating currency. This Monarch Butterfly issue appeared during a period of intense competition among small Pacific island authorities producing silver naturalist series — a market segment that peaked sharply around 2014–2017 before collector fatigue set in.
The Monarch's inclusion is geographically curious: the species is not native to the Pacific region, suggesting the subject was chosen for its international name recognition rather than any local ecological relevance.