Owner Comments:
WORLD COIN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Ultra Cameo Proof — NGC “Pacific Rim” Special Label
*A miraculous frosty white gem in pristine condition; fresh from the Mint. - A fascinating and unique issue, containing an encapsulated nugget of genuine 24-karat gold. — The brilliant ultra cameo surfaces are absolutely stunning; struck with precision and phenomenal detail. — Just 43 examples have achieved the grade of 70.*
WORLD COIN DESCRIPTION:
“This coin is the second in a series of Gold Rush themed Coin-Jewels coins, approved by the British Commonwealth Nation of Niue and Queen Elizabeth II. The coin series commemorates the famous Gold rushes of modern times, continuing with the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in Colorado circa 1858. Uniquely, this coin contains, in a transparent capsule, a genuine 24-karat Gold leaf. This patent protected process allows collectors to be able to hold a piece of Gold of higher purity than found in nature. — Struck in a full ounce of 99.95% pure silver, this coin is $2 legal tender in Niue, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. — Originally issued in a capsule with box and certificate of authenticity from the Mint.”
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Initially, I was hesitant about pursuing any series of coins not minted in the U.S. due to this being a Colorado collection. Were they still relevant to the Colorado set? Upon much thought, I decided such issues absolutely ‘had’ to be included. The primary goal of this set is as follows: ‘To obtain any numismatic specimen minted in and/or having ‘any’ association with the state of Colorado. Further, to teach people about Colorado's rich history, as well as myself, through the tool of numismatic education.’ Not only does this issue hit all the marks, it allows viewers to see the history behind a Niue series and how it relates to not just an important period in Colorado history, but the numismatic importance of the western gold rush of the mid-1800s. From a historical perspective, it’s absolutely fascinating and exciting being able to include an international coin from Niue that’s specific to Colorado. I learned a great deal throughout the process which circles right back to the original set goal. Therefore, I sought after this coin and included it.
ISSUER: Niue
DESIGNER: Ian Rank-Broadley
CURRENCY: Dollar of New Zealand (1987-date)
RARITY: 1,500 (Total Minted)
(NGC Pop = 9; 43 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 52) [04/2022]
WORLD COIN DESCRIPTION:
(Niue, .999 Silver/Encapsulated 24-kt Gold Leaf, 31.103g [1 Troy oz.], 39mm, Round, Reeded Edge)
OBVERSE: Colorado Gold Rush 1858 (Miner panning for gold, gold dust in clear capsule below)
REVERSE: Niue · 2017 · 2 Dollars · 1OZ .999 Silver (Bust of Elizabeth II to right above date and value, gold dust in clear capsule above)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“The California Gold Rush of 1849 is arguably the most popular in American history, but a decade later Pikes Peak near modern day Colorado Springs, Colorado yielded another trove of the beloved yellow metal for those seeking riches in the American West. The discovery of gold near Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains was significant, leading eventually to the creation of the Colorado Territory and the establishment of the Denver Mint.” — Credited Source: JM Bullion
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(Country of Niue):
“Niue is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, 2,400 kilometres (1,500 mi) northeast of New Zealand. Niue's land area is about 261 square kilometres (101 sq mi) and its population, predominantly Polynesian, was about 1,600 in 2016. Niue is located in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. It is 604 kilometers northeast of Tonga. The island is commonly referred to as "The Rock", which comes from the traditional name "Rock of Polynesia". Niue is one of the world's largest coral islands. The terrain of the island has two noticeable levels. The higher level is made up of a limestone cliff running along the coast, with a plateau in the centre of the island reaching approximately 60 metres (200 feet) above sea level. The lower level is a coastal terrace approximately 0.5 km (0.3 miles) wide and about 25–27 metres (80–90 feet) high, which slopes down and meets the sea in small cliffs. A coral reef surrounds the island, with the only major break in the reef being in the central western coast, close to the capital, Alofi.” — Credited Source: "Niue". GeoHive. Archived from the original on 6 October 2013.