100 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Maetel)

Issued by the Cook Islands in 2013, this 100 Dollar coin is part of a commemorative series celebrating the iconic Japanese manga and anime series Galaxy Express 999. The coin features Maetel, the mysterious and melancholic female lead of the franchise, rendered in high-relief detail. These pieces were struck to appeal to the intersection of international numismatics and the global popularity of Japanese pop culture, serving as both legal tender within the Cook Islands and as collectible art for enthusiasts of Leiji Matsumoto’s work.

The design draws directly from the aesthetic of Matsumoto’s art style, capturing Maetel’s signature long blonde hair and somber expression. The coin reflects a period in the 2010s when various Pacific island nations began leveraging pop culture iconography to attract interest from international collectors. While produced for a niche market, the coin is recognized for its technical craftsmanship, particularly in the fine engraving required to translate the fluid lines of manga illustrations onto a precious metal medium.