2023 Cook Island MONT-SAINT-MICHEL 2 oz Silver Coin

Nestled within expansive sandbanks or surrounded by the ocean at high tide, the distinctive shape of Mont-Saint-Michel rests atop a secluded mountain on the coast of Normandy.

Designated as a renowned landmark, a site for spiritual journeys, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it is a captivating subject for photos and a popular tourist destination in France.

From its initial construction of a Benedictine abbey in 966 to its gradual expansion over the years, the complex has endured numerous transformations, including partial destruction by fire in 1203 during a failed siege by King Philip II.

To make amends, the king funded the construction of the crowning jewel of the monument - the magnificent monastery known as La Merveille (the Wonder).