Numismatic

2021 Niue 1 oz Gold $250 Tetris™ St. Basil’s Cathedral Proof

This 2021 gold release from Niue bridges the worlds of digital entertainment and historic architecture. Struck in one troy ounce of 0.9999 fine gold, the coin celebrates the famous video game Tetris, which first debuted in 1984. With a highly restricted global mintage of just 100 pieces, this proof-finish coin captures a unique crossover of pop culture and classic design. The reverse side of the coin features St. Basil's Cathedral, a sixteenth-century Orthodox church located in Moscow's Red Square. This architectural marvel became deeply associated with the puzzle game because its likeness appeared on the opening screen of early versions of the software. On the obverse, the official coat of arms of Niue is displayed alongside the 250 Dollar denomination and the 2021 year of issue. These elements are framed by a playful border of falling blocks, paying homage to the iconic gameplay that has captivated players for decades.