Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Dollars 1988, KM# 63, Cook Islands, Elizabeth II, Great Explorers, Vasco Núñez de Balboa
  • 50 Dollars 1988, KM# 63, Cook Islands, Elizabeth II, Great Explorers, Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Description

The Cook Islands is a self-governing island country in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. It comprises 15 islands whose total land area is 240 square kilometres (92.7 sq mi).

Obverse

Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf

ELIZABETH II COOK ISLANDS
RDM
1988

Reverse

Vasco Núñez de Balboa holding sword and the Spanish naval jack in front of men, all inside decorated ring interrupted by the legend.

Vasco Núñez de Balboa (c. 1475 – around January 12–21, 1519) was a Spanish explorer, governor, and conquistador. He is best known for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to have seen or reached the Pacific from the New World.

He traveled to the New World in 1500 and, after some exploration, settled on the island of Hispaniola. He founded the settlement of Santa María la Antigua del Darién in present-day Panama in 1510, which was the first permanent European settlement on the mainland of the Americas.

The Spanish naval jack (Bandera de Proa o de Tajamar) is only hoisted at the prow of all Navy ships when docked or anchored in foreign waters, from sunrise to sunset. It is a square flag (ratio 1:1) composed of 4 quarters: a tower for Castile, a lion rampant for León, four pallets for Aragon, a cross, saltire and orle of chains linked together for Navarre.

VASCO NÚÑEZ DE BALBOA
$50
FM

Edge

50 Dollars

3rd portrait

Great Explorers
Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Subscribe series
KM# 63
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 20.94 g
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Franklin Mint (FM)

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