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50 Dollars - Elizabeth II Cleopatra: 2/2
| Issuer | Central Bank of Solomon Islands |
|---|---|
| Year | 2019 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Other |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse is struck on a non-circular, vulture-shaped planchet evoking the Egyptian vulture pectoral, a sacred ornament associated with Cleopatra and ancient Egyptian royalty. The richly textured gold field is adorned with 21 inset gemstones, including large turquoise and lapis lazuli cabochons, red carnelian stones, and smaller oval-cut garnets, arranged along the outstretched wings and lower body of the vulture form. At the center of the composition, a prominent carved lapis lazuli scarab beetle is depicted in high relief, its wings spread across the field in an ancient Egyptian artistic style. A large red carnelian cabochon is set prominently to the upper right of the scarab, while additional turquoise stones decorate the tail and wing extremities. The entire surface is finished with fine engine-turned striations radiating from the center, enhancing the jeweled, ornamental character of the design. |
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| Additional information |
Part of a two-coin set issued by the Solomon Islands, a jurisdiction that has built a substantial side business in licensed collector coinage despite having no historical connection to the subjects depicted. The Cleopatra series leans into the gemstone inlay market that has dominated high-end Pacific Island issues since the 2010s — 21 stones embedded in a 12g gold flan is a significant ratio of surface disruption to metal.
The .9999 fineness is worth noting: most minted gold coin series use .9999 only when the collector premium, not the bullion value, is the primary sales driver.