As of 2006, the only Cook Islands coins are $1, $2 and $5 coins. Cook Islands currency is only legal tender in the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands money and commemorative coins are manufactured at one of two mints: the Royal Australian Mint and the Franklin Mint in the United States.
The silver $1 Cook Islands coin is made of aluminum and bronze metal, has scalloped edges and the Tangaroa is depicted on one side. The $2 coin, also a silvery metal, is three-sided and shows a Maori table on one side. The $5 gold coin is round, with ridged edges and a conch shell on one side. Queen Elizabeth II is depicted on the obverse side of these Cook Islands coins.
Many stunning commemorative coins have been minted for the Cook Islands government. Designs include wildlife protection, great explorers and the Olympics.
The Philatelic Bureau, next to the post office in Avarua, Rarotonga, has Cook Islands commemorative coins available for sale.
