Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. He is often regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. From early in his career, Ali was known as an inspiring, controversial, and polarizing figure inside and outside the ring.

About the New Zealand Mint and Niue

We offer five Muhammad Ali coins and proofs in silver and gold. These precious metal items celebrate the legacy of this World Heavyweight Champion. This collection is minted by the New Zealand mint on behalf of Niue.

The New Zealand Mint is a privately-owned company in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the only privately owned mint in New Zealand, purchasing refined gold from international sources to produce coins. Although it is called the "New Zealand Mint," it does not produce the country's official currency; that task is performed by the Royal Mint in the UK and the Royal Canadian Mint for the New Zealand government.

Niue is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, and New Zealand conducts most diplomatic relations on its behalf. Niueans are New Zealand citizens. An interesting aspect is that the New Zealand Mint produces collector coins for Niue. These coins are legal tender in Niue but are not intended for general circulation; the coins and rounds include these Ali precious metals products.

One Ounce Silver Coins Value

This collection is legal tender in Niue, but its intrinsic gold or silver value is worth much more. Of the five coins, only one is gold which has a face value of 250 dollars. The rest are one ounce .999 fine silver with a face value of two dollars. The actual value of these coins to investors and collectors is usually much more than the face value.

About Muhammad Ali

Ali began boxing at the age of 12 and quickly rose through the amateur ranks. He won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

After turning professional, he quickly made a name for himself with impressive victories, culminating in his shocking upset of Sonny Liston in 1964 to win the World Heavyweight Championship at 22.

In 1967, during the Vietnam War, Ali refused to be drafted into the military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. He was arrested, found guilty of draft evasion, and stripped of his boxing titles. He did not box for nearly four years when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 1971.

Upon his return, Ali had some of the most famous fights in boxing history. He faced Joe Frazier in 1971 in what was dubbed "The Fight of the Century." Frazier won in a 15-round decision, handing Ali his first professional loss.

In 1974, Ali faced George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, in a bout known as "The Rumble in the Jungle." Against the odds, Ali employed a " rope-a-dope " strategy, where he leaned on the ropes and absorbed Foreman's punches until Foreman wore himself out. Ali knocked Foreman out in the 8th round to regain the heavyweight title.

In 1975, Ali faced Joe Frazier for the third time in a bout known as the "Thrilla in Manila." It is considered one of the greatest fights in boxing history, and Ali emerged victorious after 14 grueling rounds.

Ali’s Legacy

Ali's impact goes beyond boxing. He is remembered as a civil rights champion, a global ambassador for peace and reconciliation, and an advocate for Parkinson's patients. He once said, "I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was." With his charisma, skill, and fearless advocacy for his beliefs, Muhammad Ali ensured that he would be remembered not just as a great boxer, but as a transformative figure in world history.