Obverse: the obverse of the coin features a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II”, “COOK ISLANDS”, and the face value “2 DOLLARS”. The portrait was created by renowned engraver Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: the reverse depicts a historic view of the city of Bruges in Belgium with the inscription “FIRST STOCK EXCHANGE BRUGES”. The design represents the place where one of the world’s earliest organized stock exchanges began to develop in the 15th century. The year “2015” is shown below.
About the coin: this 2015 Cook Islands silver coin-bar belongs to the “Milestones of Global Trade” series. The coin is struck from .999 fine silver and weighs 15.55 g. Its rectangular shape resembles a small investment silver bar and stands out among traditional coin designs. The theme of the first stock exchange symbolizes the beginning of the modern financial system and international trade, making this coin interesting for history enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike.
