Zhuge Liang was the greatest contributor to the founding of the kingdom of Shu. He predicted the tripartition of the empire many years before it actually happened or, as theorised, the tripartition was planned by him in the beginning. He set out to conquer the northern territories on five different occasions, but the physical and psychological toll of these military campaigns took a toll on his health. He died of illness shortly before the battle of the plains of Wu Zhang in 234 BC.
He was also an illustrious inventor of the time: he is credited with the invention of the repeating crossbow; he is also credited with the invention of the flying lantern, floating lamps or lanterns by means of the balloon effect for military purposes such as lighting the way at night without his army being discovered. These flying lanterns are still known in China as Kongming lanterns (孔明燈).

Year: 2020
Denomination: 5 Dollars
Issuing Country: Niue
Metal: Silver
Fineness: 0.999
Weight: 2 oz
Dimensions:
Finish: Antique
Mintage: 555
Additions: Gilding, gem
Accessories: Box & COA