Astrolabes were early scientific instruments that can be traced back to the 6th century AD. They were used for reckoning time as well as astronomical exploration, navigation and astrology. In medieval Europe, astrolabes were widely used for astrological purposes. By the mid-15th century, sailors adopted the device to navigate at sea. It enabled the determination of the position of the sun and prominent stars in relation to both the horizon and the meridian. Astrolabes represent a unique blend of science and myth that reveals the logic of an earlier time, when humans were still trying to make sense of the natural world.
The reverse of the coin presents a beautiful image of an Astrolabe, an early scientific instrument used for reckoning time and for observational purposes. Astrolabes represent a unique blend of science and myth that reveals the logic of an earlier time, when humans were still trying to make sense of the natural world. The design also includes ancient signs and the inscriptions: “ASTROLABE” – the name of the coin and “2023” – the year of issue.
The obverse of the coin features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II” – the name of the Queen, “COOK ISLANDS” – the issuing country and “10 DOLLARS” – the face value. All around, a beautiful design with the globe, stars, planets, the moon and the sun and some historic instruments. The obverse also features the inscription: “HISTORIC INSTRUMENTS” – the name of the series.
| Metal | Silver |
| Weight | 2 oz |
| purity | 999 |
| Face Value | 10 Dollars |
| Year | 2023 |
| Quality | Antique |
| Issuing Country | Cook Islands |
| Mintage (pcs) | 1500 |
| Sizes (mm) | 45 x 0 mm |