Part of the Gilded Gods collection, this 3oz silver coin takes the Shiva design from the 2020 Gods of the World series and adds detailing in gold. Minted with Smartminting® technology, this coin is high relief and beautifully accentuated by an antique finish. Mintage is limited to 99 coins. HST/GST exempt.

The Design

The coin's reverse portrays the Hindu deity Shiva, with his four arms holding the significant objects that define his cosmic powers. The design highlights his iconic features: his enigmatic third eye, his long hair adorned with a skull and crescent moon, and the sacred cow—a universal symbol of holiness. The inscription "SHIVA" anchors the reverse layout. 

The obverse features the traditional Coat of Arms and the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The outer rim is inscribed with "ELIZABETH II", "COOK ISLANDS", "2020", and "20 DOLLARS".

Shiva

Shiva, whose name means “auspicious one” in Sanskrit, is a central yet highly complex Hindu deity who embodies deeply contradictory qualities as both protector and destroyer. He is characteristically depicted alongside the sacred cow, his long hair tied high and adorned with a crescent moon and a skull. On his forehead rests a third eye, which legend states was created when his wife, Parvati, playfully covered his eyes. To save the world from the sudden darkness that followed, a beam of light burst from Shiva's forehead to replace the sun, forming his third eye. Reflecting the balance of the universe, Shiva wears different earrings in his elongated earlobes to symbolize the masculine and the feminine, while his four arms hold varying attributes that change depending on his divine form.