Cook Islands: Silver Proof And Colour Coin Introduces Architectures Of The World Series Featuring The Rock Of Monaco

The first coin in this new series focuses on the beautiful and picturesque Rock of Monaco which includes the Old Town. The naturally formed landmark is a 62-metre or, 203 foot tall monolith on the Mediterranean coast which has been a coveted possession from the beginning of the ancient Massilian Greek colony of Monoïkos and where Monaco derives its name. The Rock of Monaco was also the first conquest of the Grimaldi family, the current dynasty and the rulers of the small coastal enclave for more than 700 years. This elevated location towering over the blue waters of the Mediterranean is also home to the Palais Princier, the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco first constructed in 1191 as a Genoese fortress. The picturesque streets of the Old Town are just across the main square in front of the Palace and also provide breath-taking vantage points to view many different views of Port Hercule and Monte Carlo below. The historic rock wall and elevation which is also home to the historic Cathedral of Monaco and the Oceanographic Museum has provided security and defence to the Prince’s Palace for centuries but today is now easily accessible either by foot or car.

The silver proof coins are commissioned by Coin Invest Trust – CIT of Vaduz, Liechtenstein and produced by the B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt at their facilities in Munich on behalf of the Treasury of the Cook Islands. Utilising smartminting® technology and Ultra High Relief with partial colour application and a concave surface, the reverse side includes an aerial view of the most well-known view of the rock, with a portion of the Port of Fontvieille visible to the lower right. To convey a sense of distance and to take advantage of the concave surface, the elements closest to the viewer have the highest relief height, while the distant rooftops engraved on the bottom concave surface have the lowest. In the background, a delicate, dashed diamond pattern completes the design and is in reference to the Coat of Arms of the Grimaldi House and ruling family of the principality of Monaco. Above the primary design is the text THE ROCK OF MONACO in bold lettering. The obverse side features an effigy of HM King Charles III created by Dan Thorne. Encircling the likeness of the King is the inscription 10 DOLLARS CHARLES III 2024 with the issuing authority COOK ISLANDS placed below the effigy. Below the King’s likeness is a linear depiction of Port Hercule and elements of the surrounding skyline.

Available from the 21^st May, each large-size silver proof coin is presented in a custom window-effect box for ease of viewing or display and is accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Canadian Mint.