Cook Islands 20 Cent 1978

The Sea Shell  version is also available as a circulated 1978.

You mean KM#14a? with CAPT. JAMES COOK inscription? it was a Matte, Proof & Special Uncirculated
Issue, too. At least the catalog says so.

No, this looks like standard circulated.
no Cook inscription either.
I actually got it in my change one day, I'm in New Zealand and back then the coinage was the same size. Also being in Tokoroa we have the largest Cook Islander population in the world!
So it was common to get Cook Island money circulting here.

could you post a photo here - and let me see? thanks in advance. I will add it if you are sure that it is
not the mentioned coin but a missing year in KM#14

Hi, here are a couple of pictures taken today, hope this helps.
The metal is Cupro-Nickel.

thanks - yes it helps a lot - but then... what is this coin?
I don't spot a "FM" mintmark anywhere. Some catalogs say the letters "CAPTAIN COOK etc." are
a legend on the obverse, others say it's edge lettering. could you take a second look, please  
especially for that mintmark, too.
could it possibly be a pattern?

The FM mintmark is on the lower left of the reverse, just under the base of the shell.  Those Franklin Mint marks are easy to miss!

Yes there is a mark you can see to the lower edge of the shell like an f with longer cross bar. It is below the JB mark.
Like I said, this appeared in my change.
Vern

However: issues with "FM" mark are usually Proof of Special Uncirculated Issues for Sets. So I suppose
your piece was one of them, too (not listed in the catalogs though), came into circulation because its
owner needed small money and made its way to you. what do you think?

I guess that explains its existance then.
It is certainly not in proof condition now, it never had that finish that I've seen from other proof coins I have.
I never thought a 20 cent piece would raise so much discussion.

Vern
 

In any case, can the year 1978 be added to the year list?

Thanks,

Vern

doing so now. thanks for your contribution. another missing year added. we are getting better every day