A square silver coin that looks like a greeting card in its own right: the 2009 Cook Islands 5 dollars from the Christmas «Gift» theme carries a coloured image and the wish SEASON’S GREETINGS.

The reverse design features a present tied with a bow and a horse; the colour is applied directly to the silver, so the picture reads at once, without a loupe. A square shape with 35 mm sides is uncommon on coins and makes this one stand out in any group. The obverse bears Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Elizabeth II and the legend ELIZABETH II COOK ISLANDS 5 DOLLARS.

The coin was conceived as a Christmas and New Year gift: it can be given instead of a card and then stays in a collection, and for anyone collecting holiday themes, coloured or shaped coins it is a ready-made addition.

Proof quality means mirror fields and frosted relief: such coins are struck with polished dies specifically for collectors, and against the mirror background the coloured image looks especially vivid.

At VPcoins we select coins for collectors of every level, from first steps in numismatics to filling the hardest gaps.