The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate found at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. It was founded on 16 October 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Studios. It also operated under the names Walt Disney Studio and Walt Disney Productions before changing its name to the Walt Disney Company in 1986.
Disney established itself as a leader in the animation industry with Steamboat Willie. Steamboat Willie became the first post-produced sound cartoon, and introduced Mickey Mouse, Disney’s mascot and corporate icon. Disney also produced the first full-length feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney diversified into live-action films, television, and theme parks in the 1950s.
As a testament to its influence and legacy, many countries mint coins that feature Disney characters. Disney coins are often struck in precious metals, featuring iconic characters and imagery from Disney’s expansive universe.
Most notably, the Niue Islands in the Pacific often issue coins that feature Disney characters. The Niue Islands started to issue coins with fictional characters in 2001 to market the small island nation.
