1976 Cook Islands $5 Silver Proof – Mangaia Kingfisher, First Day of Issue Cover

This 1976 Cook Islands First Day of Issue Cover pairs a .500 fine silver proof $5 coin with a new one-dollar Cook Islands stamp, both issued the same day: 15 November 1976. The coin stays sealed in the cover, which sits in its green presentation folder with the Certificate of Authenticity and information card.

The reverse shows the Mangaia kingfisher, a bird found only in the Cook Islands, designed by James Berry. The obverse carries Arnold Machin's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

Collector Specifications

• Country: Cook Islands
• Year: 1976
• Denomination: $5
• Composition: 50% Silver (.500 fine)
• Weight: 27.3 g total; 13.65 g (0.439 troy oz) pure silver
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Finish: Proof
• Edge: Reeded
• Certificate: Certificate of Authenticity and information card included
• Packaging: Folder or card (Good condition)
• Condition: Coin sealed in the original First Day of Issue Cover; green folder shows light wear, a small ink mark and an old price sticker. Individually photographed — you receive the exact item shown
• Mintage: 28,000 (proof mintage, all packaging types)
• Designer: James Berry (reverse); Arnold Machin (obverse portrait)

Historical Significance

The cover was issued to mark the establishment of a wildlife sanctuary on the island of Manuae. James Berry, who designed both the coin and the stamp, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his coin and stamp design work. The coins were struck by the Franklin Mint.

The Cook Islands lie in the South Pacific, about 1,600 miles northeast of New Zealand. They were charted by Captain James Cook between 1773 and 1777, came under British protection in 1888, and became a self-governing member of the Commonwealth in 1965.

Why We Love This One

A coin and a stamp from the same day, still sealed together after almost 50 years. The little kingfisher is a lovely design, and the complete folder tells the whole story.

Please note: this item is sold as is, including its packaging. The photos show the exact piece you will receive.