The Antikythera mechanism is generally referred to as the first known analogue computer and discovered in 1902 in a Roman shipwreck of the coast of Antikythera, Greece. It was constructed by Greek scientists in the 1st or 2nd century BC based on theories of astronomy and mathematics of that time. Studies have revealed that it must have had 37 meshing bronze gears (or possibly more) in a wooden frame. These gears were able to track the movements of the Moon and the Sun through the zodiac. It was able to predict astronomical positions and eclipses many years in advance. There must have been highly detailed panels with dates, eclipses, calendars and more at the front and the back which are, except for some small pieces, lost. One thing is sure, it’s an amazing analogue computer over two centuries old.
The reverse of the coin depicts the Antikythera mechanism in ultra high relief in the middle. Around the Antikythera mechanism are the various bas sculptures from ancient Greece. Surrounded by a circle of waves and metal ornaments representing the sea and ship it was found in. On the edge are the inscriptions: “Antikythera mechanism” (the name) and “2023” (the year of issue). It has ultra-high relief and interesting small details all related to ancient Greece and its scientists.
The obverse side of the coin depicts the Coat of Arms of the Cook Island in a special appearance with the inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II” (name of the Queen), “COOK ISLANDS” (the issuing country), “ARCHEOLOGY & SYMBOLISM” (the name of the series) and “20 DOLLARS” (the face value).
| Metal | Silver |
| Weight | 3 oz |
| purity | 999 |
| Face Value | 20 Dollars |
| Year | 2023 |
| Technology | 超高浮雕 |
| Series | 考古與象徵主義系列 |
| Quality | Antique |
| Issuing Country | Cook Islands |
| Mintage (pcs) | 111 |
| Sizes (mm) | 65 mm |