Gold Coin 5 Oz Year of the Rabbit 2023 Proof

5 Oz Gold Coin with Pearl - Year of the Rabbit 2023

In the world of numismatics, coins from the free Mother of Pearl series have been consistently popular products since their introduction. They combine the solid weight of the 5 Oz precious metal and a luxurious mother-of-pearl inlay with an elaborate design. In addition to special themes, coins dedicated to the zodiac sign of the Chinese lunar calendar are also released annually. The patron saint of 2023 is the rabbit, whose natural qualities influence those born under its rule. With the onset of the fourth sign of the zodiac, we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.

A technologically unique coin is being issued by the State of Cook Islands in 2022 weighing 5 Oz (155.5 g) of the purest 99.9% gold. The coin features a natural mother-of-pearl insert measuring 45 mm in diameter, which is coloured in a colour tone specially chosen for this motif.

The pearlescent core in a purple hue, embedded in the reverse side of the coin, depicts an idyllic view of a pair of rabbits. It is surrounded by flowers that are surrounded by butterflies. The outer gold circle bears the inscriptions "YEAR OF THE RABIT" and "2023".

The obverse features a traditional portrait of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II by Ian-Rank Broadley, with the artist's initials 'IRB' and the inscriptions 'ELIZABETH II', 'COOK ISLAND', the denomination, weight and fineness.

The coin is encased in its original cut glass presentation plate and comes in a deluxe gift case along with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a limited edition of only 25 pieces for the entire world!

Lunar Coin "Mother of Pearl"
The coins in this series go through a lengthy and sophisticated production process. The pearl is extracted from the shells of the largest pearlfish (sea pearl) in the world - Pinctada Maxima, which grow up to 30 cm in diameter. The oysters are farmed on pearl farms in perfectly isolated areas of the oceans off the coasts of Australia, Tahiti, Fiji, Indonesia and the Philippines. Their shells have a very thick inner shell made up of pearl. It takes up to 12 weeks to select the most beautiful pearl shells for the Mother of Pearl series. They are then shaped to the desired form and ultrasonic waves are used to create a motif that is worked out in minute detail. To achieve the individual colouring, the pearl is soaked in a bath with the appropriate colour for a further 5 weeks. The mother-of-pearl core is then inserted into the coin using a complicated technical process.

This product is part of the following product sets: