Cook Islands: Timeless Manhattan skyline features on Big City Lights smartminting silver Proof coin

The treasury of the Cook Islands has released new silver Proof coins which pay tribute to perhaps one of the most famous cities on the planet, and the unique but instantly recognisable skyline of New York City. The skyline of the island of Manhattan is arguably one of the most iconic sights in the world. Those who have strolled along in the Empire Fulton Ferry Park at night will recognise this incredible view of the Brooklyn Bridge with the skyline of Manhattan’s skyscrapers in the background. The view is awe-inspiring and for those casting their gaze upon this sight for the first time, simply unforgettable.

Designed and produced by the CIT at their offices in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, on behalf of the treasury of the Cook Islands, the reverse side of the coins utilises smartminting technology. This process enables the capturing of every element of the skyline of New York on a 50 millimetre-diameter surface, as well as adding strategic colouring. The reverse design includes both the view of Manhattan from the Brooklyn side of the famous bridge and incorporates a greater portion of a most recent view of the skyline. Tilt the coin slightly and the lights on Brooklyn Bridge seem to twinkle as well as some of the lights on the skyscrapers. The text above the design reads BIG CITY LIGHTS with the year of issue 2022 placed just to the right of the skyline.

The obverse side includes an effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II created by British sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. The denomination of 5 DOLLARS is placed below the Queen’s likeness.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage limit
Five dollars	.999 Silver	31.1 g	50 mm	Proof	2,022
Five dollars	.9999 Gold	0.5 g	11 mm	Proof	5,000

The half-gram gold companion piece has a completely different, highly detailed image of the skyline and is designed in the style of an Art Deco postcard. Each gold coin is encapsulated and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The silver coin is enclosed in a custom case which also functions as a display case and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about these and other coins as well as finding a retail point of sales in your area, please visit the website of CIT.

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