Catalog
| Issuer | Niue |
|---|---|
| Year | 2020 |
| Type | Collector coin |
| Value | 5 Dollars |
| Currency | Dollar of New Zealand (1987-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.999) |
| Weight | 62.20 g |
| Diameter | 45.0 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | Ian Rank-Broadley |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#3868 |
| Obverse description | The Effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | ELIZABETH II 5 DOLLARS NIUE IRB 2020 Ag 999 mw |
| Reverse description | |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE BLACK HORSE |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
mw Mint of Poland (Mennica Polska),Warsaw, Poland (1766-date) |
| Mintage |
2020 mw - Antique Finish - 500 |
| Numisquare ID | 1011226780 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 2020 Niue 5 Dollars, featuring Elizabeth II, represents a modern numismatic issue from a self-governing island nation. Niue, in free association with New Zealand, issues non-circulating legal tender primarily for the international collector market. Elizabeth II's long reign provided consistent regal presence on global coinage. This "Black Horse" issue exemplifies Niue's themed commemoratives, blending monarchical portraiture with popular artistic subjects, appealing to a diverse collector base.
Artistry: The design, likely by the mint's artistic team rather than a named engraver, aligns with a contemporary realist or stylized realist school. The obverse presents the standard effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, likely the Jody Clark portrait for 2020, executed with regal dignity. The reverse, featuring the "Black Horse," conveys dynamic power and elegance through meticulous rendering of its form. This artistic approach prioritizes visual impact and intricate detail, hallmarks of premium modern commemorative issues.
Technical/Grading: Struck in two ounces of .999 fine silver with a 45.0 mm diameter, this coin offers ample surface for intricate design. High-points on the obverse include the Queen's hair, crown, and shoulder lines. For the "Black Horse" reverse, the musculature, mane, and tail would exhibit the highest relief. Modern minting ensures a sharp, full strike, typical of proof or brilliant uncirculated quality, resulting in finely detailed devices, often frosted, against brilliant fields, showcasing superior technical execution.