FUKUSHIMA - HUMAN TRAGEDIES - 2 oz .999 Silver - $5 Niue 2024
 
Is the 4th Issue from the Human Tragedies series, also includ:
2021 - CHERNOBYL
2022 - HIROSHIMA
2024 - BLACK DEATH
2024 - FUKUSHIMA
 
Fukushima – 2 oz Ag 999 is the fourth coin in the moving series “Human Tragedies”, following numismatic pieces commemorating Chernobyl, Hiroshima, and the Plague. The unifying theme of the entire series is the portrayal of dramatic events from the perspective of those involved: 
 
In the case of Chernobyl – the mask of a liquidator.
In the case of the Plague – the distinctive mask of a plague doctor.
In the case of Hiroshima – a pilot’s mask.
On the Fukushima coin – the mask of a nuclear plant worker who participated in the efforts to contain the 2011 disaster.
 
With a mintage limited to only 400 pieces, an ultra-high relief, and the use of UV printing and fluorescent printing, the coin stands not only as an exceptional collector's item but also as a symbol of remembrance for the tragic events at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
 
The left side of the obverse features the official seal of Niue, with a crown and a central emblem containing the characteristic bird, along with the inscriptions: “Public Seal of Niue” and “Niue Tukulagi.” Below, along the bottom edge, the year of issue, issuing country, and face value are visible: “2024 NIUE 5 DOLLARS.” Beside it is the metal fineness marking: “Ag 999.”
 
The right side of the obverse depicts a dramatic rescue operation scene during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. At the center of this part of the coin is an industrial complex, showing technical buildings, dome-shaped cooling towers, a network of pipes, and industrial installations. In the foreground, three fireboats are clearly visible, directing powerful streams of water from their water cannons toward the power plant—symbolizing the desperate attempts to cool the overheating reactors and bring the situation under control after the hydrogen explosions. In the background, details of the industrial infrastructure—buildings, chimneys, and technical elements—are visible, with dark clouds of smoke rising above them, emphasizing the drama of the scene.
 
The reverse of the coin presents a fragment of a protective helmet, with shattered pipes, cables, and broken infrastructure reflected in its visor—creating a chaotic mosaic of ruins that captures the dramatic aftermath of the explosions. In the background of this apocalyptic scene, cooling towers and plant chimneys can be seen emitting thick, dark smoke—symbolizing contamination and irreversible damage. Above the entire scene, along the top edge of the coin, the inscription “FUKUSHIMA” is engraved, while at the bottom, the date “11.03.2011” serves as a stark reminder of the tragic day that changed the history of nuclear energy and had a profound impact on the environment and the lives of millions of people.
 
Thanks to the use of ultra-high relief, the coin seems to "come to life" in hand—the raised structures, the texture of the rubble, and the details of the helmet give it remarkable depth and authenticity. UV printing highlights the contrast between the colors of steel, smoke, and destruction, while fluorescent printing makes certain elements of the coin glow in the dark. The Fukushima coin is not just a work of numismatic art—it is also a poignant reminder of a human tragedy that will forever remain etched in the world's memory.