W003
Bi-metal, UNC
25 mm (1”), 12 grams
HISTORY: The Easter Islands are singularly known for their ancient and mysterious array of large stone statues facing out to sea. The hammerhead shark is common to their waters. This coin was issued in 2007, acknowledging both as symbols of this unique Pacific Ocean island (minted in Chile).
OBVERSE: Image of a seated/kneeling mori (deified ancestor figure) with the name “Makemake” (creator of humanity).
REVERSE: Hammerhead shark (Niuhi Tapaka’i) swimming above a sea of Rei Miru, traditional decorative crescents worn as ornaments by the Rapa Nui women, the native Polynesian inhabitants. The initials “JL” are placed between the posterior dorsal and caudal fins of the shark. Unable to identify.