2025 Cook Islands 5 oz Silver Proof Bucket List: Machu Picchu

Historical Background:
This exceptional silver coin commemorates one of the world's most iconic landmarks – Machu Picchu. Built during the reign of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti (1438–1471), who is often called the first Inca Emperor, this "City in the Clouds" remains a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Pachacuti was responsible for expanding the Inca Empire, rebuilding the capital Cusco, and constructing over 4,000 km of stone-paved roads.
Machu Picchu was abandoned around 1532, during the Spanish conquest, and remained hidden from the Western world until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham of Yale University. In 1983, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, it is a protected wonder of the world with strictly limited visitor access to preserve its integrity.
Coin Design & Features:
• Obverse: Features the elegant portrait of King Charles III. The inscriptions include "CHARLES III", "COOK ISLANDS", and the legal tender face value of 25 Dollars.
• Reverse: A stunning, ultra-high relief depiction of the Machu Picchu citadel as seen from a bird's-eye view. The design masterfully captures the lush green terraced hillsides harmoniously blending with the grey stone ruins of temples, residences, and ancient stairways.
Technical Specifications:
• Issuer: Cook Islands
• Face Value: 25 Dollars
• Metal: Silver (Fine .999)
• Weight: 5 oz (155.5 grams)
• Diameter: 50 mm
• Mintage: Extremely Limited – Only 555 pieces worldwide
• Finish: High Relief with vivid color applications

---

Coin: Bucket List : Machu Picchu

Composition: Silver

Year: 2025

Fineness: 0.999

Certification: Uncertified

Country of Origin: Cook Islands