2 Dollars - Elizabeth II (Kunimasu)

The 2018 Cook Islands 2 Dollars coin featuring the Kunimasu, or black kokanee salmon, is part of a series of commemorative issues produced for the Cook Islands, which frequently utilizes colorful numismatic designs to highlight unique species and natural wonders. This specific piece was issued to showcase the rediscovery of the Kunimasu, a fish once thought to be extinct in Lake Towada, Japan, until its re-emergence in Lake Saiko in 2010. The coin serves as both legal tender within the island nation and a commemorative tribute to biological resilience.

Designed with modern minting techniques, the coin features a high-relief color application that captures the distinct deep coloration of the Kunimasu. The aesthetic approach centers on realism, aiming to provide collectors with an accurate biological representation rather than a stylized interpretation. Upon its release, it was received favorably by enthusiasts of nature-themed numismatics, who appreciated the attention to detail in depicting a species that holds significant cultural and scientific importance in Japan.