2011 - Niue 2 NZD - Imperial Fabergé Eggs - Duchess of Marlborough Egg - Proof

Imperial Fabergé Eggs, known also as Tsar’s Fabergé Eggs, are considered masterpieces of the jeweller’s art and a symbol of extravagance and luxury. Created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his assistants for tsars: Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia, the eggs were made of gold and silver and decorated with enamels and precious stones.

The Duchess of Marlborough Egg coin is the forth coin of the popular series “Imperial Fabergé Eggs”.

A low mintage, a unique design with elements in polished finish and zircons, make the coin highly attractive for collectors.

The coin is also offered in an attractive presentation case with a Certificate of Authenticity

Obverse:
At the bottom – open Spring Flowers Egg (1899-1903) with a miniature basket of wood anemones inside. Above – the Niue Island’s Coat of Arms with the inscription “ELIZABETH II” and the mint’s mark (m/w) below. Around the Queen’s effigy – a decorative neorococo scroll ornament. At the top – the issuer’s name: NIUE ISLAND. On the right – a nominal value of the coin (2 dollars), on the left – the year of issue 2011.

Reverse:
At the top – a semicircular inscription: IMPERIAL FABERGÉ EGGS. In the centre – a stylized image of the upper part of The Duchess of Marlborough Egg with two pinkish-orange zircons imitating the colour of the original egg. The snake at the bottom part has a polished finish, as well as the pearls surrounding the egg, which emphasize the splendour of this piece of art.

Designer: Robert Kotowicz