Niue Roaring Lion

Niue began the Truth Series in 2018 with the Roaring Lion and the Tree of Life coin. In 2022, the Truth Series doubled with the addition of the Ram of Calvary and the Sword of Truth coins. While still a bullion series, the mintage for these coins will be limited, unlike the Niue Athenian Owl. The symbolism of the Lion was imparted to the children of Jacob's youngest son, Judah, in the book of Genesis. Emblematic of all that is fierce, powerful, majestic, and influential, the Lion of Judah extends the Lion's domain beyond the jungle and imparts these qualities to all those in association. 

This coin is part of the Truth Coin Series, produced by SD Bullion since 2018 and struck by Sunshine Minting, consisting of a Roaring Lion of Judah design, a Tree of Life design, a Ram of Calvary design, and a Sword of Truth design. In 2018, only the 1 Oz silver round was produced. Five-ounce versions were introduced in 2019 and 1 Oz Gold proofs in 2020. Platinum 1 Oz proofs were introduced in 2021. The silver coins are minted with .999 pure Silver. They are legal tender and bear a denomination of $2.

The reverse design for the first 2 years of the series depicted a standing lion roaring fiercely. The design was changed in 2020 to show only the lion's head. The obverses through 2022 depict a portrait of Queen Elizabeth, but the obverses for 2023 and beyond contain the Public seal of Niue. The micro-graved "Truth" on the coins changes every year, with a unique scripture featured on the coin. A portion of the Scripture is engraved on each of the coins in the Truth Series. The coins of the Truth Coin Series contain high-level features that protect against the production of counterfeits.

Silver Bullion Mintages

Design

Obverse (2018-2022): The obverse contains the familiar right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary in 1947. In use on commonwealth coins since her ascension to the throne of England in 1952, Her Majesty's portrait on these coins comes from Ian Rank-Broadley and was designed in 1998 as the fourth-generation depiction. His initials "IRB" can be found below the picture. Surrounding the effigy from the lower left in a clockwise direction are the phrases "ELIZABETH II", "NIUE", and the denomination of "TWO DOLLARS". The date of issue is located at the bottom. The background is patterned with thin lines radiating from the center.

Obverse (2023-Current): The obverse depicts the Public Seal of Niue adopted in 2021. It consists of a crown mounted on an outer circle in the form of the traditional Niuean garland of 14 seashells. The outer circle encompasses an inner circle of hiapo designs, representing the land. The center contains a stylized tree, representing life and the people of Niue. This sits upon a scroll bearing the motto "ATUA NIUE TUKULAGI"  and two cleaving clubs. Between the outer and inner circles are the words "PUBLIC SEAL OF NIUE". The "TWO DOLLARS" denomination arches across the top while the date is at the bottom. 

Reverse: The reverse of the coin depicts the head of a majestic roaring lion. The diadem contains the Hebrew letters את which are the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The Aleph Tav is a symbol representative of both the covenant's leader and the unity of Judah's descendants. At the base of the diadem is a micro-engraved inscription which changes every year. The lion is surrounded by a decorative floral pattern with a frosted background. The weight, purity, and content of "ONE TROY OUNCE .9999 FINE SILVER" are inscribed at the bottom.