Cook Islands 2024 $20 Astronaut - Real Heroes – Only the Brave are Free - 3 Oz Pure Silver Black Proof Coin CIT Smartminting®

• Earth and the lunar horizon reflected in a dark astronaut’s visor
• CIT smartminting® ultra-high relief with detailed helmet, spacesuit and hexagonal background
• 3 troy oz of .9999 silver in Black Proof, with selective colour
• Fifth and final release in the Real Heroes series
• Limited to 850 worldwide, with presentation frame and certificate of authenticity

A small, colour image of Earth rises above the lunar horizon within an astronaut’s dark visor. Around that reflection, the raised helmet, ribbed fittings and intricately modelled spacesuit give CIT’s Astronaut a sculptural presence. The Black Proof finish brings depth to the visor, while the angular honeycomb background contrasts with the curved helmet and fabric-like detail of the suit.

The fifth and final release in Real Heroes turns the series towards the courage and technical achievement of space travel, honouring pioneers such as Yuri Gagarin and Neil Armstrong without portraying either individual. On the obverse, two astronauts and a space station float above Earth and the inscription “ONLY THE BRAVE ARE FREE”, with King Charles III’s portrait below. Limited to 850 worldwide, this 2024 Cook Islands 3oz silver coin closes the series with a view back towards home. See Earth from a different perspective with FORTYMILLION.

Specifications

Q. What is reflected in the visor?
A. Earth appears above a textured lunar horizon. The colour detail sits within the dark visor, forming the focal point of the astronaut portrait.

Q. Is this the final Real Heroes release?
A. Yes. Astronaut follows Fighter Pilot (2020), Firefighter (2021), Special Forces (2022) and Coast Guard (2023), completing the five-release sequence in 2024.

Q. Does the portrait depict a named astronaut?
A. The design presents an astronaut as a tribute to space pioneers, rather than identifying the figure as Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong or another individual.

Q. What do Black Proof and ultra-high relief mean?
A. Black Proof describes the dark proof finish and contrasting surfaces. Ultra-high relief means key features project prominently above the background, giving the helmet and spacesuit a sculptural appearance. Neither is a certified numerical grade.

Q. What appears on the obverse?
A. Two astronauts, a space station and Earth appear above “ONLY THE BRAVE ARE FREE”. King Charles III’s portrait sits below, surrounded by the Cook Islands, 20 Dollars and 2024 inscriptions.

Q. How many were issued, and what is included?
A. The worldwide mintage is 850. The coin is supplied with a black presentation frame and certificate of authenticity.