Catalog
| Issuer | Niue |
|---|---|
| Year | 2019 |
| Type | Collector coin |
| Value | 250 Dollars |
| Currency | Dollar of New Zealand (1987-date) |
| Composition | Gold (.9999) |
| Weight | 31.1 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Ian Rank-Broadley |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | The Effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | ELIZABETH II NIUE 250 DOLLARS IRB 2019 |
| Reverse description | Clone Trooper facing straight ahead and holding blaster gun. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 1 oz 9999 Fine Gold © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd NZM |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
2019 - - 25 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1010084110 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 2019 Niue 250 Dollars coin, featuring Queen Elizabeth II, embodies a convergence of traditional numismatics and modern popular culture. Niue, a self-governing island nation, strategically issues legal tender coins with globally recognized themes like Star Wars. This piece highlights the era's trend of leveraging numismatic sovereignty to appeal to a broad international collector base, bridging the monarchy's historical continuity with contemporary entertainment.
Artistry: The coin’s design showcases a modern, collaborative artistic approach. The obverse features a standard, finely rendered effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, consistent with Commonwealth coinage. The reverse presents a striking, highly detailed depiction of a Clone Trooper from the Star Wars universe. This stylistic choice reflects contemporary cinematic realism, meticulously capturing the character's distinctive helmet and intricate armor, prioritizing fidelity to the licensed source.
Technical/Grading: Struck in 31.1 grams of .9999 fine gold, 33 millimeters in diameter, this coin demands exceptional technical execution. High-points for grading include the intricate contours of the Clone Trooper’s helmet and armor, which must exhibit full, sharp detail. On the obverse, the Queen’s effigy requires crisp definition in the hair and crown. Typically proof, the strike should display deeply mirrored fields contrasting with frosted devices, indicative of precise striking and meticulous planchet preparation for superior preservation.