Cook Islands: Smartminting® Silver Proof Mega-coins Feature Dream Holiday Destinations

Most seasoned world travellers have a list of dream destinations and for many, the Greek Island of Santorini tops the list. This Island of volcanic origin is part of the Cyclades group of Islands, world-famous for its black lava sand shorelines, white houses with blue roofs on the edge of the crater, offering breath-taking views of the sunset. Unique to any other islands in the Aegean is the black lava sand found surrounding the island. The formation of the island of Santorini and its distinctive crescent-like shape was due to the volcanic activity and the eruption of the famous Volcano of Santorini that occurred around 1600 BC. The result of this huge eruption was that the whole island was covered in pumice, ash and volcanic lava – which has remained to this day. The mixture of these ingredients with the sand is what gives the beaches this dark colour and makes them so extraordinary and different from the other beaches. Visitors can still experience cherished traditions and village life in Santorini which are alive and flourishing. Agiomnisia religious festivals, wedding processions observing local customs accompanied with local instruments are often sighted all during the year. Local craft products, deserts, old wineries called kanaves where grapes are crushed, are some of the aspects of tradition that can easily be found on the island as well as the friendly Santorinians whose warm hospitality is legendary. The island’s impressive landscape along with the crystal clear waters, exquisite landmarks and culture make Santorini a constant popular destination. 

Featured on these exceptional coins are two picturesque churches next to each other built on the slope of the Caldera. They are located in the west of Oia, a coastal town on the north-western tip of Santorini and found south of the main promenade that runs through the city. With characteristic blue domes, they are two of the most photogenic churches in Oia. The Church of Anastasi was built in 1865, and the church of St. Spirydon, 2 years later in 1867. Both Churches are typical example of Santorinian religious architecture with their white-washed structures on a square plan with blue domes, the belfry located in the south-east corner is also topped with a blue dome.

The silver proof and colour coins are produced by B. H. Mayer’sKunstprägeanstalt, Munich applying their advanced smartminting® technology. Found on the reverse are a combination of proof surfaces with subtle colouring, the lifelike buildings and streets appear incredibly realistic and detailed. Examining the reverse side with a magnifying glass and a wealth of detail is easily discoverable. It is possible to find vacationers relaxing on tiny, true-to-scale lounge chairs. The design is a highly detailed three-dimensional colour topographical and aerial view of a mountain slope on the island of Santorini, with the typical white chalk houses with blue domes shown in colour. The obverse side features the portrait of HM King Charles III created by engraver Dan Thorne. Surrounding the portrait is the legend and text around it the inscription 25 DOLLARS · CHARLES III · 2024. The additional text COOK ISLANDS is placed below the King’s likeness. In the background, a reminiscent Greek-key geometric pattern is repeated.

Available from the 11^th November, each large-size silver proof coin is presented in a custom window-effect box for ease of viewing both obverse and reverse or display and is accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information including a list of distributors, please visit the webshop of Coin Invest Trust – CIT.