Numismatic

2017 Grandeur 1 oz Silver Hockey: Gretzky (Colorized)

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This modern silver coin from 2017 celebrates one of the most celebrated figures in professional sports history. Struck in one ounce of 0.9999 fine silver, the five-dollar denomination coin was issued by the Cook Islands with a limited mintage of 5,000 pieces. It belongs to a specialized series dedicated to prominent National Hockey League players. The obverse side of the coin presents a left-facing portrait of Wayne Gretzky, set against a vibrant, colorized depiction of the Alberta Legislature Building. This design honors the athlete widely known as "The Great One," who secured four championships during his tenure in Edmonton. Gretzky's astonishing career is defined by 61 individual league records, which include the highest totals for goals, assists, and points. His legacy includes scoring 50 goals in a mere 39 games during the 1981 season, earning 15 All-Star selections, ten Art Ross Trophies, and nine Hart Memorial Trophies. The reverse side of the coin displays the right-facing effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, establishing its official status as legal tender. This piece offers a compelling intersection of numismatics and sports history, capturing the career of an athletic icon in fine precious metal.