© Katz Coins Notes & Supplies Corp.
© Katz Coins Notes & Supplies Corp.
50 Dollars - Elizabeth II English slave trader John Hawkins
1993 year| Silver (.925) | 31.1 g | 38.7 mm |
| Issuer | Cook Islands |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1993 |
| Value | 50 Dollars 50 NZD = USD 31 |
| Currency | Dollar (1972-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 31.1 g |
| Diameter | 38.7 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#171586 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
John Hawkins at right, ship at left, denomination
below
Script: Latin
Lettering:
500 YEARS OF AMERICA 1492-1992
50 DOLLARS
Comment
Front: Bust English slave trader John Hawkins (front-left) first English trader to profit from the Triangle Trade * 12.XI.1532, Plymouth, county of Devon, England ⚭ (~1554) Katherine Gonson (1534-23.VI.1591, 2 sons) † sickness, 12 November 1595 buried: at sea, off the coast of Portobelo, Panama right of sailing ship (front) in front of 7 rays legend: (above, series) 500 YEARS OF AMERICA (right, period years) 1492-1992 (below, value) 50 DOLLARS Back: Crowned head queen Elizabeth II (right, 1952-) designer: (on trucation) RDM (Raphael David Maklouf, sculptor, 1936-) legend: (left, ruler) ELIZABETH II (right, free association of New Zealand) COOK ISLANDS (bottom, year) 1993 Edge: G - grained, type: barsInteresting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and a depiction of John Hawkins, an English slave trader, on the other. This is notable because Hawkins was a controversial figure who was involved in the transatlantic slave trade, and his inclusion on the coin may be seen as a controversial or problematic choice. Additionally, the fact that the coin was issued by the Cook Islands, a country with a history of colonialism and exploitation, may also be seen as problematic. It's important to consider the potential impact and message that this coin may convey, and to be mindful of the historical and cultural context in which it was created.
