30 Dollars - Elizabeth II Diana, Princess of Wales

Historical Context: Issued by the Cook Islands in 1997, this 30 Dollars coin falls within the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, a period of immense global change and enduring Commonwealth ties. Its issuance is profoundly significant as it commemorates Diana, Princess of Wales, in the very year of her tragic passing. Such a large-format commemorative reflects the widespread public grief and admiration for Diana's humanitarian work and royal presence, making it a poignant numismatic tribute from a Commonwealth realm.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is not detailed, the coin likely features a standard effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, probably the Raphael Maklouf or Ian Rank-Broadley portrait, characteristic of late 20th-century Commonwealth coinage. The reverse would showcase a dignified portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales. The impressive 101mm diameter allows for considerable artistic detail, enabling a finely rendered portrait that captures her iconic image and reflects the stylistic school of modern commemorative art, blending realism with reverential representation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .999 silver with a substantial weight of 1002.502 grams, this coin was undoubtedly produced to proof quality. High-points on the Queen's effigy typically include the hair details and crown elements. For Diana's portrait, critical areas for strike assessment would be the delicate features of her face and the intricate styling of her hair. Collectors should look for full, sharp strikes on these elements, along with deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices, indicative of a premium commemorative issue designed for collectors rather than circulation.