50 Cents - Elizabeth II Royal Artillery

Cook Islands issued a long-running series of commemorative 50-cent pieces in the early 2000s under royal warrant, many tied to British regimental histories with no direct connection to the islands themselves. The Royal Artillery, founded by royal warrant in 1716 under George I, is the oldest surviving regiment in the British Army with continuous service — a distinction that has made it a recurring subject for Commonwealth commemorative issues.

Struck in copper-nickel at 28 grams, this piece circulated nominally but was produced primarily for the collector market, consistent with Cook Islands' mint program throughout this period.