2023 $10 Half Dome Mountains – 2 oz Pure Silver Proof Coin

Description

Celebrate one of North America’s most legendary natural landmarks with the 2023 $10 Half Dome Mountains 2 oz Silver Proof Coin, issued by the Cook Islands and produced using advanced smartminting technology. This ultra-high-relief collectible captures the dramatic geology and iconic silhouette of Half Dome, one of the most recognizable peaks in Yosemite National Park. With a strictly limited mintage of just 1,500 coins worldwide, this piece combines numismatic craftsmanship with geological grandeur.

Special Features

• Struck in 2 oz of .999 pure silver with proof quality finish

• Produced using smart minting ultra-high relief technology for dramatic depth and realism

• Extremely limited mintage of 1,500 coins globally

• Honors one of the most iconic mountains in the world

• Detailed sculptural rendering emphasizing granite texture and steep contours

• Collector display case with Certificate of Authenticity included

• Large format strike enhances artistic presence and display appeal

Design

Reverse:
The reverse presents a breathtaking high-relief depiction of Half Dome rising above Yosemite Valley. The sculpted design emphasizes the mountain’s sheer vertical face and rounded summit, with striking depth that makes the rock formation appear almost three-dimensional. Inscriptions include:

• HALF DOME — coin name

• 2,693 m — mountain elevation

The use of smart minting technology allows extreme relief without sacrificing detail, giving the coin a sculptural, medal-like appearance rarely achieved in standard minting.

Obverse:
The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by inscriptions:

• ELIZABETH II

• COOK ISLANDS

• 2023

• TEN DOLLARS

The Mountain Behind the Coin

Half Dome is a granite monolith rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and about 8,800 feet above sea level. Known historically as Tis-sa-ack (meaning “cleft rock”), it has long held cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples.

The formation became famous worldwide after George Anderson’s pioneering ascent in 1875, when he drilled iron bolts into the smooth granite face to reach the summit. Today, thousands of hikers attempt the climb each year, ascending hundreds of carved granite steps before tackling the final ascent using steel cables anchored into the rock. Its distinctive half-sphere shape makes it one of the most photographed geological landmarks on Earth.

Specifications

• Country: Cook Islands

• Year: 2023

• Denomination: $10

• Metal: .999 fine silver

• Weight: 2 troy oz

• Diameter: 38.61 mm

• Finish: Proof

• Technology: Smart minting ultra-high relief

• Mintage: 1,500

• Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II

Packaging

Encapsulated and presented in an official collector case with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring both protection and long-term collectible value.

Why Collect This Coin?

This issue stands out for its rare combination of ultra-high relief minting, low mintage, and a subject beloved by nature enthusiasts, climbers, and collectors alike. The sculptural detail gives the impression of holding a miniature mountain in your hand, making it as much a work of art as a precious-metal investment. Its limited production and striking visual depth position it as a standout centerpiece in any modern numismatic collection.