The Mint of Poland, in association with the South Pacific island nation of Niue, proudly presents this intriguingly dark themed coin, the iconic mask of the Plague Doctors. During the height of the plagues that spread throughout Europe during 17th and 18th centuries, these masks were created to help protect the doctors from exposure while treating plague patients.

The reverse features a head and shoulders profile of a plague doctor in full costume. The rimless, ultra high relief minting and antique finish created the perfect presentation of this incredibly dark and desperate scene. Prominent is the large, bird-beak shaped leather mask. The mask is ennobled with gold-plating, which makes it stand out starkly against the dark antiqued background images. The background displays a scattering of human bones and skulls, representative of the millions that perished during this terribly dark age.

The obverse displays a beautifully antiqued finish of the Ian Rank-Broadly profile portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II within a center inset. Encircling outside the inset are the inscriptions, “ELIZABETH II . NIUE ISLAND . 5 DOLLARS . 2019 and the AG 999 purity. The rimless design is highlighted by a fine, beaded band encircling the inscriptions.

Comes presented in a clear display box with the surrounding graphic doubling as a certificate of authenticity.

Technical Specifications