COOK ISLANDS, TANGAROA GOD, 5 CENT, 2000

HISTORY: The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands north of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean. Their currency is based on the New Zealand dollar ($NZ) and is minted by several mints worldwide. The population of Cook Islands is about 85% Māori or Māori mix.

OBVERSE: “ELIZABETH II COOK ISLANDS 2000” encircles the profile of Elizabeth II (1926‒2022), Queen of the United Kingdom and all other Commonwealth realms, including Cook Island subjects.

REVERSE: On the reverse is a Māori carving depicting Tangaroa, god of the sea (see detail). “5 CENT” on either side of Tangaroa. Around the rim is the inscription “XXI. CENTURY FAO FOOD SECURITY” celebrating the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at the dawn of a new century. The FAO motto to kick off the year 2000 was “Ensuring Food Security in a Changing World.”

EDGE: Smooth.