The Kiribati Gold Christmas Proof is a gold bullion coin series issued by the nation of Kiribati that celebrates Christmas Island. As a 1 oz gold bullion coin, it has a face value of $200 and depicts traditional Christmas scenes.
Where is Kiribati?
The Republic of Kiribati is an independent Oceanic nation in the central Pacific Ocean. The nation is comprised of 32 atolls, and one raised coral island. Over half of its 121,000 citizens live on the Tarawa atoll, the capital of the nation.
Kiribati gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. In the native Gilbertese tongue, the -ti makes an s sound, which is why the nation’s name is pronounced KIRR-ih-BASS. Similarly, the island of Kirimati is pronounced Christmas.
What is Christmas Island?
Kirimati Island is not the same as the Christmas Island off the coast of Australia. The Australian Territory of Christmas Island was named by Captain William Mynors for its date of discovery in 1643 and lies in the Indian Ocean. Kiritimati Island, also known as Christmas Island, takes its name from the word Christmas as written in Gilbertese according to the language’s phonology. It is an atoll in the northern Line Islands, a series of 11 atolls in the Pacific Ocean, eight of which are part of Kiribati. The atoll has a circumference of 100 miles and is the largest island of purely coral formation in the world.
What is the Significance of the Kiribati Gold Christmas Proof?
The obverse features several depictions of Joseph, Mary, and an infant Jesus, as well as a full manger scene, including the Magi presenting Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Fittingly, some issues also include the two incenses included alongside the gold coin for a traditional gift.
The $200 gold proof is not the only Christmas-themed coin bearing the Kiribati name. Numerous gold Kiribati coins celebrate Christmas with a wide range of face values and unique designs. Some proof sets are issued with 1 oz and .04 oz gold coins in limited mintages as low as 250, making them a highly desired collectible bullion coin.
List of Kiribati Christmas Coins
| Denomination | Design | Year of Issue | Composition |
| $1 | Mary, Baby Jesus, and Joseph | 2011 | .999 Gold |
| $1 | Mary and Baby Jesus | 2012 | .585 Gold |
| $1 | Christmas Scene (Santa and Reindeer Rectangle) | 2016 | .999 Silver |
| $1 | Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Gilded Rudolph with Ruby Nose) | 2016 | .999 Silver |
| $5 | Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Gold Colored with Ruby Nose) | 2015 | .925 Silver |
| $10 | The Birth of Christ | 1998 | .999 Gold |
| $10 | Christmas Island (Heraldic Angel) | 2005 | .999 Gold |
| $10 | Silent Night (Christmas Village Colorized) | 2012 | .925 Silver |
| $20 | Angel in Flight | 1999 | .999 Gold |
| $20 | Christmas Angel (With Gold Print and Glitter) | 2015 | .925 Silver |
| $50 | The Three Wise Men on Camels | 1999 | .999 Gold |
| $50 | Jesus and Mary atop a Donkey with Joseph Walking | 2005 | .999 Gold |
| $100 | Mother Mary and Infant Jesus | 1999 | .999 Gold |
| $200 | Madonna and Jesus as a Child | 2000 | .999 Gold |
| $200 | Jesus, Mary, and Joseph | 2005 | .999 Gold |
| $200 | Wise Men Presenting Gifts to Jesus in the Manger | 2006 | .999 Gold |
