MONEY

While Van Gogh’s likeness has appeared on many different forms of currency - from the Netherlands to France and now various values of the Euro, all either in circulatory editions of in silver and gold. Medallions have been produced by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and Van Gogh Preferred Banking claims to have a post-Impressionist philosophy to “maximise financial opportunities”.

The only currency I have been able to find with Starry Night is a rectangular silver dollar coin with zircon gemstones issued by Mennica Polska (Mint of Poland) for the Nuie Island Monetary Authority in 2007. Where is Nuie Island? Nuie is a raised atoll located in the Pacific Ocean approx. half way between Samoa and Tonga, three and a half hours north of New Zealand. It boasts of no crowds, no crime, whales, dolphins, underwater cathedrals and virgin rainforest.

Why should Mennica Polska issue a commemorative silver coin for a Polynesian Island? No idea. Mennica Polska issued a series of silver “Great Painters of the World” coins, including Renoir and Rembrandt for Andorra. While not rare (10,000 were issued), they can be scarce at times; the value depending on the price of silver and the enthusiasm of collectors. I picked up mine from eBay for $99, but I have seen them go for nearly $200 on auction. Some specialist coin retailers have asked for close to $300, so shop around.

http://www.mennica.com.pl/
http://www.niueisland.com/