Catalog
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| Issuer | Northern Mariana Islands (United States) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Type | Fantasy coin |
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| Obverse description | Central device depicts the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, featuring an American-style eagle displayed with wings spread, superimposed upon a latte stone and encircled by a wreath, surmounted by a five-pointed star within a ring. The legend 'COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS' arcs along the upper periphery, while the denomination '5 DOLLARS' appears in the lower field. The design is struck in high relief with a mirror-polished proof finish. |
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
The Northern Mariana Islands gained commonwealth status with the United States in 1978, but the arrangement has always been constitutionally unusual — the islands are not subject to all federal laws, a quirk that has made them attractive to private mint licensing operations. This $5 gold issue is one of dozens of small-format legal tender coins produced under such arrangements in the early 2000s, nominally authorized by the CNMI government but effectively manufactured for the collector market by outside contractors. Portugal's 2004 connection here almost certainly ties to that year's UEFA European Championship, hosted by Portugal — a recurring subject for these licensed commemorative programs.