Catalog
50 Vatu Canoe
| Issuer | Reserve Bank of Vanuatu |
|---|---|
| Year | 1992 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
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| Obverse description | The national coat of arms of Vanuatu occupies the central field, depicting a Melanesian warrior in traditional dress standing before a curved boar's tusk, a traditional symbol of rank and wealth. Below the central device, a decorative scroll bears the national motto in Bislama. The legend encircling the field reads 'RIPABLIK BLONG VANUATU' with the date '1992' incorporated above the arms. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Two athletes paddling a traditional outrigger canoe are depicted in dynamic motion at the centre of the field, rendered in high relief against a mirror-proof background. Palm trees and a mountainous tropical landscape appear in the left background, evoking the Pacific island setting. The curved legend 'OLYMPIC GAMES 1992' arcs across the upper portion of the field, while the denomination '50 VATU' is inscribed along the lower rim, both in bold raised lettering. |
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| Additional information |
Vanuatu's coinage program through the early 1990s was administered partly to generate collector revenue — a deliberate policy for small Pacific island nations whose domestic circulation needs are modest but whose commemorative issues attract foreign buyers. The 1992 silver program fell squarely into this framework, produced for export to numismatic markets rather than any domestic monetary function.
KM#14 is tied to a short series. Check auction archives: realized prices vary sharply depending on whether the piece retains its original packaging, which the Reserve Bank issued with certificates of authenticity through licensed distributors.