COINS & BANKNOTES OF ISLAND NATIONS
Most of these small island nations have a
relatively small
population,
so they need fewer coins. This results in many hard to find
coins
due
to their low mintage.
ANDAMAN
AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
COIN SET 
Native wildlife is featured on this set of seven unofficial 2011
dated coins from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The territory,
located in the Indian Ocean, consists of 572 islands, of which just
38 are permanently inhabited. Denmark, Austria and
Britain all attempted to
colonize the islands.
Britain eventually turned it into a penal colony.
Japan occupied it in
World War
II. They are now a Union Territory of India.
Over the years the indigenous inhabitants
have been almost completely wiped out by disease, land
encroachments and punitive military expeditions. Most of the few
hundred that remain maintain a steadfast independence, refusing all
outside contact. The bi-metallic 20 Rupees pictures a Nautilus. The
bi-metallic 10 Rupees depicts a Dugong. An Indian Wild Boar is on
the 5 Rupees. A Coconut Crab is shown on the 2 Rupees. The 1 Rupee
has a Kuhl’s Flying Gecko. A Stork-billed Kingfisher is on the 50
Paisa and the Anadman clubtail butterfly is on the 25 Paise. The
arms of the islands is on the obverse of each coin. Only 10,000
sets were minted.
Item
ANDSET
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 7 COIN SET, 2011 UNC.
$29.50
INDIVIDUAL COINS FROM THE ABOVE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COIN SET:
Item
AND20R
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 20 RUPEE NAUTILUS BIMETALLIC,
2011
UNC. $12.00
Item
AND10R
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 10 RUPEE DUGONG BIMETALLIC,
2011
UNC. $10.00
Item
AND5R
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 5 RUPEE WILD BOAR, 2011 UNC.
$5.00
Item
AND2R
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 2 RUPEE COCONUT CRAB, 2011
UNC. $4.50
Item
AND1R
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 1 RUPEE FLYING GECKO, 2011
UNC. $4.00
Item
AND50P
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 50 PAISA KINGFISHER, 2011
UNC. $3.00
Item
AND25P
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 25 PAISA KINGFISHER, 2011
UNC. $3.00
Item
S-AW-SET7 ARUBA 7 COIN SET 5 CENTS – 5 FLORIN
1986-2011 UNC. $25.00
2023
ARUBA 5 FLORIN
This 2023 Aruba 5 Florin features Dutch
King Willem-Alexander on the obverse. The reverse includes
the Aruban coat of arms, denomination and date. The 23.5mm
aluminum-bronze coin has a lettered security edge with the inscription
“GOD ZIJ MET ONS” (God be with us).
Item
AW-5F ARUBA 5 FLORIN 2023 KM58 UNC.
$9.50
FIRST MAN ON THE
MOON COIN
FROM ASCENSION
Ascension commemorated the
50th anniversary of the First Man on the Moon with this limited edition
2019 copper-nickel 1 Crown coin. The coin features an astronaut on the
surface of the moon saluting the American flag. The Lunar
Module is in the background. The planet earth rises
above. The NASA logo is also featured in the
design. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. One
of NASA's main tracking stations for the Apollo 11 lunar landing
mission as well many other missions was located Devil’s Ashpit on the
eastern side of Ascension Island. The
38.6mm Brilliant Uncirculated coin has a mintage of just 1,969 pieces.
Item ASC-MOON
ASCENSION 1 CROWN 2019 COPPER-NICKEL, BU $14.00
Also see:
ORIGINAL APOLLO 11 MOON LANDING MEDAL
ATTRACTIVE AND
UNUSUAL BAHAMAS COIN SET
This
five coin set from The Bahamas features attractive designs,
unusual shapes and an unusual denomination. The 2015 1 cent
features three starfish. The 2015 5 cents depicts a
pineapple.
The 10 cents has scallopped edges, features a pair of
bonefish and is dated 2010. The 2005 square 15 Cents is an
unusual
shape and and unusual denomination. A Bahamian Sloop is on
the 2007 dated 25 Cents. The National Arms of The Bahamas is
on
the
obverse of each coin. All five coins are Brilliant
Uncirculated.
Item
S-BS-SET5
BAHAMAS 5 COIN SET, 1 - 25 CENTS 2005-2015 BU $4.50
SILVER CROWN
FROM BERMUDA
Bermuda struck this silver 1 crown in 1964. It was the last coin they
struck before switching to the decimal system in 1970.
Because Bermuda is a British colony, Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. The nations arms on the reverse features a wrecked
ship in a storm. The islands were discovered in 1503 by
Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez. Bermuda was not settled until 1609
when British ship Sea Venture, bound for Jamestown, Virginia was
wrecked on a reef. Though all survived the shipwreck, some decided to
stay in Bermuda rather than continuing to Virginia in two makeshift
boats that were built by the survivors. Shakespeare's The
Tempest may have been based upon this incident. The 36mm
silver crown contains .3636 troy ounces of silver.
Item
BM-1CR BERMUDA SILVER CROWN 1964 KM14 UNC. $19.50
60TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY
The
British Antarctic Territory issued this 2022 bi-metallic 2 Pound coin
to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the British
Antarctic Territory. The territory comprises the region south
of 60°S latitude and between longitudes 20°W and 80°W, forming a wedge
shape that extends to the South Pole. It includes the
Antarctic Peninsula and much of the Weddel Sea and overlaps claims by
Argentina and Chile. The 28.4mm coin has a copper-nickel
center within a nickel-brass ring. Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. A map of Antarctica highlighting the British
territory and the territorial arms are on the reverse. The
coin has a mintage of 1,950 and comes in a descriptive package.
Item
BAT-2P22 BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY 2
POUNDS 2022 60th ANNIVERSARY PROOFLIKE
$19.95
CUTTY SARK ON 2021
GOLD, SILVER
& COPPER-NICKEL COINS
The British Indian Ocean Territory honored the ship Cutty Sark on 2021
gold, silver and copper-nickel coins. All three have similar
designs featuring the famed ship under full sail on the reverse and
Queen Elizabeth on the obverses. The 11mm gold coin contains a half
gram of 24 carat gold. It has a reverse frosted Proof finish
and comes in a red presentation box with a numbered Certificate of
Authenticity. Only 69 gold coins were struck with the reverse
frosted Proof. It is denominated as 1/64 Royal. The
38.6mm reverse frosted 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 1 Royal has
mintage of 10,000 pieces. The 38.6mm copper-nickel 1 Royal
has a mintage of only 4,750 pieces. The Cutty Sark was one of
the last, fastest and most famous British Tea Clipper Ships ever built.
She was launched in 1869, the same year the Suez Canal was
opened. Though steam ships had much higher fuel costs, they
proved more reliable, had lower insurance costs, and had a
substantially shorter journey by using the Suez Canal, which was not
suitable for sailing ships. The Cutty Sark sailed just eight tea trips
from China before being moved to the Australia wool trade, then to
other cargos. By 1922 she was the last clipper ship operating in the
world. Today she is a popular museum ship in permanent dry
dock in Greenwich, England.
Item
BIOT-CUTTY-GOLD BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN
TERRITORY GOLD 1/64 ROYAL CUTTY SARK 2021 REVERSE FROSTED
PROOF OUT
Item
BIOT-CUTTY-SILVER BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN
TERRITORY SILVER 1 ROYAL CUTTY SARK 2021 REVERSE FROSTED BU OUT
Item
BIOT-CUTTY-CN BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
COPPER-NICKEL 1 ROYAL CUTTY SARK 2021 BU
$14.00
BRITISH
INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY SEA LIFE COINS IN TITANIUM &
COPPER-NICKEL
The British Indian Ocean Territory consists of the 55 islands of the
Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is the home of some of the
world’s cleanest oceans and has a vast array of marine
wildlife. In 2018 the British Indian Ocean Territory featured
two giant species, the Manta Ray and the Coconut Crab, on coins struck
in both titanium and copper-nickel. The Manta Ray is a gentle
giant of the ocean, reaching as much as 23 feet (7 meters) across and
weighing almost 3000 pounds (1350 kg.). They are
harmless to humans and feed on microscopic zooplankton. The coin shows
a Manta Ray skimming above the coral covered ocean floor followed by a
group of Remoras. The Coconut Crab is the world’s largest Land
Arthropod and an incredibly impressive looking crab. It can
weigh over 9 pound (4kg.) and its leg span can reach over 3 feet (1
meter). It can live over 60 years. They are found throughout
Indonesia, Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific. Although their name
suggests that they primarily feed on Coconuts, this is not the case and
coconuts make up as small proportion of their diet. They can however be
found climbing the Coconut Palms and occasionally using a broken
coconut shells as protection. Recent footage has shown a coconut crab
hunting a Sea bird! Once they get hold of the bird, their powerful
claws easily break the bird’s wings and then more crabs that smell the
kill will descend on the defenseless bird! Coconut crabs have been
extensively hunted on islands where there is a human population as
their flesh is considered both a delicacy and an aphrodisiac. When the
tables are turned and they manage to pinch a human, they can cause
considerable pain and will not release their grip for a long time. One
technique used to free someone from their powerful grip is to tickle
their underbelly! The coin shows two large coconut crabs, one
on the ground feasting on the flesh of a coconut and the other climbing
a coconut palm. The 2018 dated coins are denominated as 2
Pounds and come in two metals. The Titanium coins are 36.1mm,
weigh just 10 grams (about a third of an ounce), have a mintage of
7,500 pieces each and come in a capsule in a presentation box with a
Certificate of Authenticity. The Manta Ray titanium coin
is dark blue,
while the Coconut Crab is struck in golden-brown titanium.
Because of the way the metal reacts and technical difficulty in
striking titanium, the color of each coin is slightly
different. The copper-nickel coins are 38.6mm, weigh 28.28
grams and have a mintage of 10,000 each. Queen Elizabeth is
on the obverse of all the coins.
Item
BIOT-TIT-RAY18 BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
2 POUNDS 2018 BLUE TITANIUM MANTA RAY BU out
Item
BIOT-CN-RAY18 BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY 2
POUNDS 2018 COPPER-NICKEL MANTA RAY BU out
Item
BIOT-TIT-CRAB18 BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
2 POUNDS 2018 BROWN TITANIUM COCONUT CRAB BU $59.00
Item
BIOT-CN-CRAB18 BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
2 POUNDS 2018 COPPER-NICKEL COCONUT CRAB BU out
BI-COLOR
2021 TITANIUM AND
COPPER NICKEL COINS FEATURE PARROTFISH
British Indian Ocean Territory recently released 2021 bi-color titanium
and copper nickel 2 Pound coins featuring three Parrotfish swimming
among coral. The arrangement of its teeth is highly unusual -
arranged on the external surface of their jaw bones forming a
parrot-like beak which gives the Parrotfish its name. This is not the
only unusual characteristic of this particular species as they start
their life as females but then change into males during their
lifespan. The titanium coin features
yellow-green parrot-fish against a sea-blue
background. The coin is not painted but is anodized
using a special process so that the color is an integral part of the
metal of the coin. It weighs only 10 grams and has a mintage
of only 5000 pieces. The coin comes is housed in a stunning
red box with a Certificate of Authenticity. The
same design, but without color is used on a 38.6mm copper-nickel coin.
The copper-nickel version has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.
Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of both coins.
Item
BIOT-TIT-PFISH21 BR. INDIAN OCEAN TERR.
TITANIUM 2 POUNDS 2021 PARROTFISH BU
$55.00
Item
BIOT-CN-PFISH21 BR. INDIAN OCEAN TERR.
COPPER-NICKEL 2 POUNDS 2021 PARROTFISH BU OUT
WWII ARMY AND NAVY
COMMEMORATIVES
The British Indian Ocean Territory issued these 39mm copper-nickel 2
Pound coins in 2019 to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the start of
World War II. One honors the Army and features a
British soldier with a Matilda, a Churchill and a Cromwell tank in the
background. The other honors the Royal Navy and features a
sailor with a King George Class battleship, an Admiral Class battle
cruiser and a Flower class corvette in the background. Both
coins feature Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and have a mintage of
10,000 each.
Item
BIOT-ARMY BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY 2
POUNDS 2019 ARMY KM28 BU
$9.75
Item
BIOT-NAVY BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY 2
POUNDS 2019 NAVY KM29 BU
$9.75
BRITISH
VIRGIN ISLAND
DOLPHIN DOLLARS
Frolicking
bottlenose dolphins are featured on these three 1 Dollar coins of the
British Virgin Islands. The 2004 issue features a dolphin swimming in a
coral garden. The 2005 depicts a mother and baby
dolphin. The 2006 issue depicts two dolphins in play. The Ian
Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of these
38.6mm copper-nickel coins. The coins were a three-year
series featuring these playful creatures which inhabit the waters
surrounding the islands. The British Virgin Islands, located
northeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, have a population of about
30,000 and an area of just 59 square
miles (153 sq. km.). It includes about 16 inhabited islands
and some 50 smaller islands and cays. Only three annual issues
were struck for this attractive series, before it was
discontinued.
Item
BVI-DOL04
BRITISH VIRGIN IS. 1 DOLLAR 2004
DOLPHIN KM286 BU
$12.00
Item
BVI-DOL05
BRITISH VIRGIN IS. 1 DOLLAR 2005 MOTHER AND
BABY DOLPHINS, KM312 BU
$12.00
Item
BVI-DOL06
BRITISH VIRGIN IS. 1 DOLLAR 2006 2 DOLPHINS,
KM329
BU $12.00
Item
BVI-DOLSET3
BRITISH VIRGIN IS. SET OF ALL 3 DOLPHIN
DOLLARS, 2004-2006 BU
$29.95
BEAUTIFUL
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS UNA AND THE LION DOLLARS
Una
and the Lion is one of the most beautiful, popular and expensive of all
British coins. The gold 5 Pound coin was struck for
the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1839. One recently sold for
$188,667. The design, created by sculptor
William Wyon, was based on Edmund Spenser’s poem Faerie Queene which
tells the tale of Princess Una after St. George had slayed the dragon
and rescued her. During the course of her travels, Una met a lion who
was so mesmerized by her beauty he became her companion and
protector. On the coin Una was modeled after 19-year old
Queen Victoria. The Lion is a traditional symbol of Britain.
Thus the design is an analogy for Victoria leading Britain.
The legend ‘
DIEU
ET MON DROIT’ meaning ‘God on my Right’ is the motto
of the British monarchy. The British Virgin Islands
recreated this beautiful design, initially
on a silver dollar, and now on a copper-nickel dollar to commemorate
the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria. The
obverse
features Queen Elizabeth, the great, great granddaughter of Queen
Victoria. Both are 38.6mm and denominated 1 Dollar.
The silver
version has a frosted Brilliant Uncirculated finish and contains 1 troy
once of .999 fine silver and a mintage of 50,000
pieces.. The copper
nickel version has a mintage of just 10,000 pieces. They are
attractive coins at affordable prices.
Item
BVI-CN-UNA BRITISH VIRGIN IS. COPPER-NICKEL 1
DOLLAR
2019 UNA & THE LION, BU
$14.00
Item
BVI-AR-UNA BRITISH VIRGIN IS. SILVER 1
DOLLAR
2019 UNA & THE LION, BU OUT
BRITISH
VIRGIN ISLANDS 2019 PORCUPINE FISH COIN IN YELLOW TITANIUM &
COPPER-NICKEL
The British Virgin Islands issued these 2019 coins depicting a
Porcupine Fish in both Golden Yellow Titanium and
copper-nickel. Both coins have the same design, depicting
Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and the unusual fish in a puffed-up
state on the reverse. The fish has the unusual ability to
increase its size by almost double vertically by swallowing
air. This, and its sharp spines which radiate outward when
the fish is inflated help discourage predators. The golden
yellow titanium version is denominated 5 Dollars, is 36.1mm, has a
mintage of 7,500 and come in a box with a Certificate of
Authenticity. The copper-nickel version is
denominated 1 Dollar, is 38.6mm and has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.
Item
BVI-TIT-PORC19 BRITISH VIRGIN IS. 5 DOLLARS
2019 PORCUPINE FISH, TITANIUM, BU OUT
Item
BVI-CN-PORC19 BRITISH VIRGIN IS. 1 DOLLAR 2019
PORCUPINE FISH, COPPER-NICKEL, BU
$14.00
BRITISH
VIRGIN ISLANDS 2021
SILVER FLAMINGO
The
British Virgin Islands recently released this beautiful 2021 reverse
cameo frosted silver Flamingo dollar. The word ‘flamingo’ comes from
the Portuguese/Spanish 'flamengo' meaning 'flame-colored'.
Flamingos
get their pink color from eating shrimp and algae containing
carotenoid. Featured on the coin is a flamingo in a typical pose,
standing on one leg with its head tucked down. In the
background is a flock of flamingos. Flamingos are very
sociable birds that live in colonies that can number thousands of
birds. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.
The 38.6mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and has a
mintage of only 10,000 pieces.
Item
BVI-AR-FLAMINGO21 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1
DOLLAR 2021 SILVER FLAMINGO BU
$49.95
BRITISH VIRGIN
ISLANDS CELEBRATES
SAILING SHIPS
The British Virgin Islands issued a series of six coins depicting
famous sailing ships that had some connection with the British Virgin
Islands. The 2022 dated 1 Dollar coins are 28.4mm and are
struck in virenium (a gold colored alloy). Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. The coins come in capsules and have a mintage of only 1950
pieces each.
Item
BVI-MARIA BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR
2022 SANTA MARIA BU $15.00
Item
BVI-HIND BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR 2022
GOLDEN HIND BU $15.00
Item
BVI-ASTREA BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR
2022 HMS ASTREA BU $15.00
Item
BVI-ROHNE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR
2022 RMS ROHNE BU $15.00
Item
BVI-NYMPH BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR
2022 HMS NYMPH BU $15.00
Item
BVI-FORM BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR 2022
HMS FORMIDABLE BU $15.00
Item
BVI-SHIPSET ALL 6 OF THE ABOVE BRITISH VIRGIN
IS. SHIP COINS, BU $85.00
CAPE
VERDE COIN SET
Cape
Verde is a group of 10 volcanic islands off the coast of
Africa. They were uninhabited until settled by the Portuguese
in 1462. They remained a Portuguese colony until independence in 1975.
The 1982 10 and 20 Escudos feature the busts of two "heroes of
independence" who had little direct involvement with Cape Verde gaining
independence. The 10 Escudos depicts Eduardo
Mondlane. He was a profession of anthropology and history at
Syracuse University prior to returning to Mozambique to lead the
Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). He was assassinated in
1969. Domingos Ramos, who appears on the 20 Escudos, fought
against the Portuguese in Portuguese Guinea. The denomination
and national emblem is on the reverse of both copper-nickel coins.
Item
CV-SET2
CAPE VERDE 10 & 20 ESCUDOS 1982 KM19 & 20
BU $9.00
CAPE
VERDE CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY WITH BI-METALLIC
Cape
Verde is a group of ten islands located 350 miles (570 km.) off the
coast of Western Africa. It gained independence from Portugal
in 1975. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of independence,
and the 40th anniversary of its central bank it issued this circulating
28.5mm bi-metallic 250 Escudos dated 2015. One side,
commemorating 40 years of development and features a school teacher,
windmills, a family and other images. The other side
commemorates the 40th anniversary of Banco de Cabo Verde. It
includes the national arms and various monetary and financial symbols
(looks like the designer had fun with the wingdings fonts).
Item
CV-250E
CAPE VERDE 250 ESCUDOS 2015 40th ANNIVERSARY, KM55 UNC. $12.00
CAPE VERDE CELEBRATES
200 YEARS OF
FRIENDSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES
Cape
Verde issued this circulating bi-metallic commemorative 200 Escudos
coin to honor 200 years of friendship with the United States.
The obverse of the 28mm coin depicts the flags of the European Union
and the United States and the legend "
200 YEARS OF HISTORIC TIES AND
FRIENDSHIP". The legend on the reverse "
200 ANOS DE LAÇOS HISTÓRICOS E
DE AMIZADE" which means the same thing in
Portuguese. Also on the reverse is a small map of the United
States superimposed on to a map of the Cape Verde Islands and the dates
"
1818-2018".
In the late 18th and 19th century thousands of Cape Verde residents
immigrated to the United States to escape the droughts, volcanoes and
neglect by the Portuguese government which controlled the islands at
that time. Cape Verdean men, noted for being "hardworking, honest
seamen" were frequently hired by New England whaling
captains. Many thousands many eventually made their homes in
New Bedford, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island and elsewhere in
New England where large Cape Verdean communities still exist
today. The coin is Uncirculated, but has tiny bag marks from
being shipped loose in bank bags.
Item
CV-USA CAPE VERDE 200 ESCUDOS 2018
FRIENDSHIP WITH USA, UNC.-tiny bagmarks $10.00
UNUSUAL
COINS FROM THE COOK ISLANDS
This
recent three coin set from the Cook Islands contains some unusual
coins. The obverse of all three coins portrays
the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth.
The reverse of the 2010 1 dollar coin is much more interesting however.
It portrays the very well-endowed fertility God Tangaroa. The
copper-nickel coin has a scalloped edge. The 2010 triangular
2 Dollar pictures a ceremonial morter and pestle.
The 2003 12 sided 5 dollar coin pictures a conch shell.
Item
CK-SET3
COOK IS. 3 COIN
SET 2003-10 (KM416-418) UNC.
$25.00
ALEXANDER VON
HUMBOLDT HONORED ON SCARCE CUBAN 25 CENTAVOS
Prussian
naturalist, geographer and scientist Alexander von Humboldt visited
Cuba twice, in 1800 and in 1804. While there conducted
detailed studies of Cuba's land, plants, animals and its
people. His work was so extensive that he has been called the
"Second Discoverer of Cuba" and was made an honorary citizen of that
country. In 1989 Cuba honored him on this 24mm copper-nickel
commemorative 25 Centavos. The obverse portrays the Cuban
arms. The reverse features Humboldt's bust in a cameo and two
birds. His studies and fame extended far beyond
Cuba. Numerous species, places and geographic features
including the Humboldt Current, as well as several colleges and
universities are named after him. The coin has a mintage of
only 17,000 pieces and catalogs $50.00!.
Item CU-HUMBOLDT CUBA 25 CENTAVOS 1989
HUMBOLDT KM361 BU $9.00
BEAUTIFUL
& IMPRESSIVE
EAST CARIBBEAN POLYMER $2 NOTE 
International Bank Note Society 2024 Bank Note of the Winner
The
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank issued its first Two Dollar note to
commemorate the bank's 40th anniversary and it is impressive!
It is a candidate for the International Bank Note Society Banknote of
the year. The bank provides coins and currency for Anguilla,
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It
went all out on this circulating commemorative note. The
front of the 2023 polymer note depicts famed cricketeer Isaac Vivian
Alexander Richards, “The Master Blaster.” Also on the front
is a conch shell, the Central Bank building and reflective silver and
iridescent gold images of sea turtles and fish swimming in the clear
window towards the bottom. The back features a map of the
islands and an underwater scene with colorful tropical fish, corals and
a turtle. Both sides of the note include the bank's 40th
anniversary logo. The note glows in multiple colors under ultraviolet
(UV) light. It is 132 x 65mm. It is a lovely
banknote for any collection.
Item
PM-ECS-2D EAST CARIBBEAN 2 DOLLAR NOTE, 2023
CENTRAL BANK UNC.
$7.00
1
TROY OUNCE 2 DOLLAR SILVER COINS OF THE EAST CARIBBEAN STATES
The East Caribbean Central Bank supplies coins and currency to a number
of tiny Caribbean nations which all utilize a common currency called
the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. These Brilliant
Uncirculated, 1 troy ounce, .999 fine, 39mm legal tender coins
were issued for the member nations of the East Caribbean Central
Bank. The coins have a frosted Proof-Like surface. They all have the
same reverse depicting Queen
Elizabeth within a wreath. Each nation has a distinctive
obverse reflecting a unique aspect of that country. The designs change
each year, though tend to follow the same themes reflecting
an aspect of that nation. They are each
denominated 2 Eastern Caribbean Dollars. Only
25,000 of each coin was minted.
Item
ANGUILLA21 ANGUILLA
2 DOLLARS 2021 SAILBOATS BU $37.00
Item
ANGUILLA22 ANGUILLA
2 DOLLARS 2022 EELS BU $37.00
Item
ANTIGUA21
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 2 DOLLARS 2021 FRIGATE BIRD & HARBOR
BU $37.00
Item
ANTIGUA22
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 2 DOLLARS 2022 COAT OF ARMS BU $37.00
Item
DOMINICA21
DOMINICA 2 DOLLARS 2021 PARROTS BU $37.00
Item
DOMINICA22
DOMINICA 2 DOLLARS 2022 FROG = MOUNTAIN CHICKEN BU $37.00
Item
GRENADA21
GRENADA 2 DOLLARS 2021 COAT OF ARMS BU $37.00
Item
GRENADA22
GRENADA 2 DOLLARS 2022 NUTMEG TREE BU $37.00
Item
MONTSERRAT22 MONTSERRAT 2 DOLLARS 2022 SEA
TURTLE BU $37.00
Item
KITTS22 ST. KITTS & NEVIS 2 DOLLARS
2022 UNDERWATER SURFER BU $37.00
Item
LUCIA20 ST. LUCIA 2 DOLLARS 2020 WHIPTAIL
LIZARD BU $37.00
Item
LUCIA22 ST. LUCIA 2 DOLLARS 2022 LOVERS BU $37.00
Item
VINCENT19
ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES 2 DOLLARS 2019 SEA PLANE &
BOAT BU $39.00
Item
VINCENT20
ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES 2 DOLLARS 2020 COAT OF ARMS BU $37.00
Item
VINCENT22
ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES 2 DOLLARS 2022 SAILING SHIPS BU $37.00
FALKLANDS
CELEBRATE LIBERATION
On
April 2, 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands.
Argentina claimed the islands, though have been a British Crown Colony
since 1841 and most residents were British. Argentina’s
military junta was hoping that a quick victory would divert attentions
from Argentina’s economic stagnation, inflation, widespread protests
and human rights violations. They did not expect Britain
would defend the islands. Despite being almost 8000 miles
(13,000 km.) away, the British struck back with force, and on June 14
Argentina surrendered. The war led to the collapse of Argentina’s
military junta, its restoration of democracy, and strengthened British
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. These three 38.6mm copper
nickel 1 Crown coins were struck for the Falkland Islands in 2007 to
commemorate the 25th anniversary of their liberation from Argentine
forces. One coin features an image of Britannia standing in
front of a map of the Falklands. Another features marching soldiers
carrying a Falkland flag. The third coin depicts 3 soldiers,
an army truck, a Vulcan B.Mk2 bomber and the aircraft carrier HMS
Invincible. During the war Vulcan bombers carried out
8,000-nautical-mile (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) round trip bombing missions.
The HMS Invincible had been sold to Australia in February
1982. At the start of the war Britain took the ship back and
used it in the war effort. All three coins depict Queen
Elizabeth on the obverse.
Item
FK-1CR07-BRIT FALKLAND IS. 1 CROWN 2007
BRITANNIA & MAP BU $9.00
Item
FK-1CR07-SOLDIER FALKLAND IS. 1 CROWN 2007
SOLDIERS BU $8.00
Item
FK-1CR07-MILIT FALKLAND IS. 1 CROWN 2007
TRUCK, AIRPLANE & SHIP BU $8.00
FALKLAND ISLAND COIN SET
FEATURES WILDLIFE
Native
wildlife is featured on this eight-coin set from the Falkland
Islands. The 1 pence pictures a pair of penguins.
An Upland goose is on the 2 Pence. The 5 pence features an
albatross. A pair of Ursine seals is on the 10 pence. The
seven-sided 20 pence shows a Romney marsh sheep. The
seven-sided 50 pence pictures the now extinct Falkland Island
fox. The 1 pound coin features the Falkland arms, which
includes a sailing ship and a sheep. The coin has a lettered
edge that reads “
DESIRE
THE RIGHT”. The bi-metallic 2 Pound coin is
dated 2004 and shows a map on the islands in the center. It
has a lettered edge that reads "
30
YEARS OF FALKLAND ISLANDS COINAGE". A variety of
native wildlife, including various birds, a seal, penguins and a
dolphin surround the map. The obverse all depict Queen
Elizabeth. The coins date from 2004 to 2019.
Item
S-FK-SET8 FALKLAND ISLANDS 8 COIN SET 1
PENCE - 2 POUNDS 2004-2019 UNC.
$29.50
2011 FAROE ISLANDS
COINS
These 2011 dated unofficial pattern coins picturing native
wildlife are the first issues for the Faroe Islands in 70
years!
The Faroe Islands (also spelled Faeroe, Faoroe, Føroyar or
Færøerne) is a self-governing Danish possession in the North Atlantic
between Scotland and Iceland. The 8 coin set
includes a
35mm tri-metallic 50 Kronur featuring a Ram's head. The 27mm
aluminum-bronze 20 Kronur features a Gray Seal. The
23mm 10
Kronur pictures a Twait Shad fish. A Eurasian Oystercatcher
bird
is onthe 28.5mm cupro-nickel 5 Kronur. The 24.5mm cupro-nickel 2 Kronur
shows a Black Guillemot in flight. An Atlantic Puffin is on the 20mm
cupro-nickel 1 Krona. A Faroes or Shetland Sheep
Dog is on
the 21.5mm copper-plated zinc 50 Oyru. The 17.5mm copper-plated zinc 25
Oyru pictures a Common Shore Crab. The obverse of each of the coins
features the Faroe arms which depict a Ram. Only 10,000 sets
of
these attractive pattern coins were issued.
Item FO-SET8 FAROE 8 COIN SET 25 OYRU -
50 KRONUR, 2011 UNC.
$29.95
INDIVIDUAL COINS FROM THE ABOVE FAROE SET
Item
FO-50KR FAROE 50 KRONUR 2011 RAM'S HEAD
TRIMETALLIC UNC.
$14.50
Item FO-20KR FAROE 20 KRONUR 2011 GRAY SEAL
UNC. $8.00
Item FO-10KR FAROE 10 KRONUR 2011 SHAD UNC. $6.00
Item FO-5KR FAROE 5 KRONUR 2011 OYSTERCATCHER
UNC. $6.00
Item FO-2KR FAROE 2 KRONER 2011 GUILLEMOT
UNC. $5.00
Item FO-1KR FAROE 1 KRONA 2011 PUFFIN UNC. $4.50
Item FO-50-OYRU FAROE 50 OYRU 2011 SHEEP DOG
UNC. $4.00
Item FO-25-OYRU FAROE 25 OYRU 2011 CRAB UNC. $3.50
FIRST COIN OF
FRENCH
OCEANIA
France issued the first coins for its Pacific Ocean territories
of French Oceania in 1949. French Oceania comprises of 121
geographically
dispersed islands and atolls, including Tahiti, that stretched over
more than 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in the South Pacific Ocean.
In 1957 it was renamed French Polynesia. The
obverse of the 1949 aluminum 50 Centimes of French
Oceania depicts a tropical beach scene with palm trees, boats,
shells, and a bowl of fruit. The reverse depicts Marianne
seated holding a cornucopia and a torch. The coin was struck
at the Paris mint and were minted only a single year.
Item
FR.OC-50C FRENCH OCEANIA 50 CENTIMES KM1
1949 UNC. $7.00
FRENCH
TERRITORY SILVER PATTERNS HONOR LOUIS OSCAR ROTY
The works of French Medalist and coin designer Louis Oscar Roty are
featured on these 1/4 ounce .999 fine silver 1/4 Euro unofficial Essai
(pattern) coins struck for various French overseas
territories. Roty was a prolific sculpturer and
engraver. His designs appeared on coins of France and other
nations and his works can be found in most major European museums. The
obverse of each coin features his portrait and the name of the
territory. The reverse features a beautiful rendition of one
of his works. Only 2000 coins of each type were struck.
Guadeloupe
is a French Territory in the Caribbean. It was
discovered by Columbus in 1493 and first settled by the French in
1635. Its major industries are tourism and making
rum. The silver 1/4 Euro features a vignette from a medal
struck for the Lyon Chamber of Commerce in 1892.
Reunion is
located in the Indian Ocean. Almost the entire economy is
devoted to the production of sugar and sugar by-products such as rum
and molasses. Most of the sugar production on the island is
controlled by about a dozen large plantations. The coin
features a vignette from his 1888 bronze medal "la Fermière" (The Farm
Girl) which depicts a woman tending chickens.
St. Barthelemy,
also known as St. Barts or St. Barths, is an island in
the Caribbean. Tourism is its main industry. The silver 1/4
Euro features a vignette from his 1893 medal
"Patria non immemore"( The Fatherland does not forget) commemorating
the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Third Republic.
St. Martin,
also known as St. Maarteen is a tropical island in the
Caribbean known for its beautiful beaches, fine hotels, casinos and
restaurants. As might be expected, its major industry is
tourism. The coin depicts an impressive vignette of Science
and Liberty from his 1896 work.
Item
GP-1/4E GUADELOUPE SILVER 1/4 EURO 2004
Br.XE11 PROOF ESSAI $29.95
Item
RE-1/4E REUNION SILVER 1/4 EURO 2004 Br.XE11
PROOF ESSAI $24.95
Item
BART-1/4E ST. BARTHELEMY SILVER 1/4 EURO
2004 Br.XE11 PROOF ESSAI $29.95
Item
S.MARTIN-1/4E ST. MARTIN SILVER 1/4 EURO
2004 Br.XE11 PROOF ESSAI $29.95
GIBRALTAR DOLPHIN
50 PENCE
Five
bottlenose dolphins are pictured on the back of this 27.3mm 1997
Gibraltar 50 Pence coin. The Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen
Elizabeth wearing the George VI State Diadem in on the obverse. The
coin was struck only a single year. In 1997 Gibraltar reduced the
diameter of the 50 Pence coin from 30mm to 27.3mm. In 1998
the
Queen's portrait was updated to an older portrait of the Queen wearing
a tiara. At the bottom of the reverse is "AA" indicating the
die
that was used to strike the coin.
Item
GI-50P97 GIBRALTAR 50 PENCE 1997AA KM39.1
UNC. $5.00
GIBRALTAR
ISLAND GAMES
COMMEMORATIVE 50 PENCE
This
circulating commemorative Gibraltar 50 Pence was issued for the 2019
Island games which were held in Gibraltar from July 6 to 12.
The games were attended by some 2000 athletes from 24 island
territories and nations from around the world competing in 14
sports. The seven-sided copper-nickel coin depicts a stylized
image of a Laser sail boat and sailor.
Item
GI-50P-GAMES
GIBRALTAR 50 PENCE 2019AC ISLAND GAMES UNC. $5.00
COINS
OF THE BAILIWICKS OF
GUERNSEY AND JERSEY
The Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey are British Crown Dependencies
located off the coast of France. They have been British
possessions since the Norman Conquest in 1066. Because of their small
population and size they issue coins only sporadically.
For many years Guernsey used a coinage system called the "Double" that
was based on the medieval French Double Tournois. Eight
Doubles was equivalent to a British Penny. Guernsey issued
two coins in 1959. The 31mm bronze 8 Doubles features a three
flowered Guernsey Lily. The copper-nickel 3 Pence depicts a
Guernsey cow and has a scalloped edge. Both coins feature
Guernsey’s coat of arms on the obverse which depicts three stylized
lions. The legend on the obverse "S'BALLIVIE INSVLE DE
GERNEREVE" is Guernesiais for "The Bailiwick of the Island of
Guernsey”. Guernesiasis, which is derived from
old Norman
French, is the official language of Guernsey, though only about 3% of
the population understands it.
In 1964 Jersey issued the bronze 1/12 Shilling and 12-sided
nickel-brass 1/4 Shilling. The coins are struck to the same
standards and are equivalent to the British Penny and 3
Pence. Both coins have similar designs, with the crowned head
of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and the arms of Jersey flanked by the
dates 1964 on the reverse.
Item
GG-SET59
GUERNSEY 8 DOUBLES & 3 PENCE 1959 KM16
&18 UNC.
$6.00
Item
JE-SET64
JERSEY 1/12 & 1/4 SHILLING1964 KM21 & KM25 UNC OUT
HAITI
COIN SET HONORS NATIONAL
HEROES
Haiti is the world’s oldest Black Republic, having achieved
independence from France in 1804. Nearly all of the country’s 5 million
inhabitants are descendants from the original 480,000 African Slaves.
Haiti suffered greatly this past summer. In July its
President was assassinated under mysterious circumstances. In August it
suffered a devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquake, followed less than a
week later by a tropical storm. This set of the five current
coins of Haiti features national heroes and monuments. Four
heroes of Haitian independence are shown on the 5 Gourdes:
Toussaint Louveture, Henri Christophe, Jean Jacques Dessalines and
Alexandre Petion. The 1 Gourde shows the famous Citadelle
Laferriere, built in the early 1800's at a tremendous cost and loss of
life to protect against an expected French invasion that never came.
The 50, 20 and 5 Centimes portray Charlemagne Peralte, who led a
guerilla movement against the United States occupation of Haiti during
World War I. The obverse of each coin features the Haitian
arms that include cannons, guns, flags and a palm tree. The
coins date from 1997 to 2013 and are Uncirculated.
Item
S-HT-SET5 HAITI 5 COIN SET 5
CENTIMES - 5 GOURDES 1997-2013
KM152a-156 UNC. $7.00
KITTY CATS ON PARADE
From 1988 to 2016, the Isle of Man (home of the Manx cat) issued
a 1 Crown coin featuring a different breed of cat. Queen Elizabeth is
on the obverse of the coins. The series apparently came to an
end
in 2016 when the Pobjoy Mint lost the contract to strike coins for the
Isle of Man. The 38.6mm copper-nickel coins are popular with
both
cat lovers and coin collectors.
The coins are pictured in order starting with the latest issue in the
top left going down to the
the
first 1988 issue at the bottom. Hold
your
pointer over the coin to see which the cat and the year.
Item
IOM-CAT16
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2016 HAVANA BROWN CAT
&
KITTEN, BU out
Item
IOM-CAT15
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2015 SELKIRK REX CAT
&
KITTEN, BU out
Item
IOM-CAT14
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2014 SHOWSHOE CAT
&
KITTENS, BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT13
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2013 SIBERIAN CAT
&
KITTEN, BU out
Item
IOM-CAT12
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2012 MANX CAT &
KITTEN, BU out
Item
IOM-CAT11
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2011 TURKISH ANGORA CATS
KM1440 BU $16.00
Item
IOM-CAT10
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2010
ABYSSINIAN CAT & KITTEN, KM1426 BU $16.00
Item
IOM-CAT09 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2009
CHINCHILLA
CAT & KITTEN, KM1378.2 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT08 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2008 BURMILLA
CAT & KITTEN, KM1424 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT07 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2007 RAGDOLL
CATS BU KM1307.1 BU $16.00
Item
IOM-CAT06 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2006 EXOTIC
SHORTHAIR KITTENS KM1290a BU
$14.00
Item
IOM-CAT05 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2005 HIMALAYAN
CATS KM1266 BU out
Item
IOM-CAT04 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2004 TONKINESE
KITTENS KM1246 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT03 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2003 BALINESE
KITTENS KM1165 BU OUT
Item
IOM-CAT02 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2002 BENGAL CAT
& KITTEN KM1111 BU
$14.00
Item
IOM-CAT01 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2001 SOMALI
KITTENS KM1072 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT00 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2000 SCOTTISH
KITTEN
PLAYING WITH WORLD KM1056 BU
out
Item
IOM-CAT99 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1999 BRITISH
BLUE CAT KM966 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT98 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1998 BIRMAN CAT
KM857 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT97 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1997 LONG
HAIRED SMOKE CAT KM774 BU
$14.00
Item
IOM-CAT96 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1996 BURMESE
CAT KM621 BU $14.00
Item
IOM CAT95 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1995 TURKISH
CAT KM446 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT94 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1994 JAPANESE
BOBTAIL CAT KM380 BU
$15.00
Item
IOM-CAT93 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1993 MAINE COON
CAT KM355 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT92 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1992 SIAMESE
CAT KM332 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT91 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1991 NORWEGIAN
CAT KM292 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT90 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1990 ALLEY CAT
KM275 BU $15.00
Item
IOM-CAT89 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1989 PERSIAN
CAT KM250 BU $14.00
Item
IOM-CAT88 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1988 MANX CAT
KM245 BU $14.00
KISSING SWANS OF
MANN
This 2007 1 Crown from the Isle of Man
features a pair of facing swans forming a heart. The lovely
coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the
obverse. The copper-nickel coin is 38.61mm in
diameter. The Isle of Man, also known as Mann is a
self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea.
Item
IOM-SWAN07 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 2007 SWANS
KM1313 BU $12.50
BIRTH
OF CHRIST
Isle
of Man celebrated the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ with
this attractive 1997 1 Crown. The coin depicts Mary holding
baby Jesus surrounded by angels. The Raphael David Maklouf portrait of
Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of the 38.6mm copper-nickel
coin.
Item IOM-CHRIST97 ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1997
BIRTH OF CHRIST KM799 BU $7.50
Item IOM-CHRIST97x5 5 of the above ISLE OF
MAN 1 CROWN 1997 BIRTH OF CHRIST BU $29.75
Item IOM-CHRIST97x20 Roll of 20 of the above
ISLE OF MAN 1 CROWN 1997 BIRTH OF CHRIST BU $99.75
Also see:
JESUS COINS FROM SAMOA
JERSEY COINS REFLECT ISLANDS
HISTORY
Jersey
is a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel off the coast of
France. It is one of the last remnants of the great medieval
Dukedom of Normandy that once controlled much of France and
England. The designs of on this eight-coin set reflect
Jersey's history. The bi-metallic 2 Pounds has a latent image
showing the denomination surrounded by the crests of the 12 Parishes on
the island. The 1 Pound depicts the Resolute, a schooner
built in Jersey in 1877. The seven-sided 50 Pence which
pictures the ruins of Grosnez Castle, the seven-sided 20
Pence that shows the Coriere lighthouse, the 10 Pence that depicts La
Hougue Bie, a Neolithic burial site, the 5 Pence that shows
Seymour Tower, the 2 Pence that pictures L’Hermitage in St. Helier and
the 1 Pence that shows Le Hocq Watchtower. Queen Elizabeth is
on the obverse.
Item
JE-SET8 JERSEY 8 COIN SET 1 PENCE - 2 POUNDS
1998-2014 UNC.
$29.50
2012
MICRONESIA COIN SET FEATURES WILDLIFE & BI-METALLICS
The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent nation consisting
of over 600 islands spread out over 1,000,000 square miles (2,600,000
square kilometers) of the Pacific Ocean. The area was claimed
by Spain, sold to Germany in 1889, conquered by Japan in World War I,
taken by the United States in World War II, and finally became fully
independent in 1986. It uses United States dollar as its currency. This
unofficial 2012 eight coin set includes the 1 Cent to the 5
Dollar. The obverse of each coin features the national seal.
The word “TRIAL” is located at the top of the seal, indicating that
they are trial coins rather than legal tender issues. The
bi-metallic 5 Dollar coin pictures the Pygmy Killer Whale. The
bi-metallic 2 Dollar coin depicts the Long-beaked Common
Dolphin. A Manta Ray is on the 1 Dollar. Shells and a 19th
Century proa
from the island of Satawal is on the 50 Cents. A proa is an
outrigger sailing boat. The 25 Cents features a Yellowfin
Tuna. A Rufous Night Heron is on the dime. The 5
Cents pictures a Moorish Idol fish. A Chuuk Flying Fox Bat is
on the 1 Cent. The coins were struck by Osborne Coinage in
Cincinnati, Ohio. Only 10,000 sets were minted. It
is an attractive, low mintage, set.
Item
FM-SET8
MICRONESIA 8 COIN SET: 1 CENT – 5 DOLLARS, 2012 UNC.
$29.75
INDIVIDUAL MICRONESIA
COINS FROM ABOVE SET:
Item
FM-5D
MICRONESIA 5 DOLLARS 2012 PYGMY KILLER WHALE, BIMETAL, UNC.
$9.00
Item
FM-2D
MICRONESIA 2 DOLLARS 2012 DOLPHIN, BIMETAL, UNC.
$8.00
Item
FM-1D
MICRONESIA 1 DOLLAR 2012 MANTA RAY UNC.
$5.00
Item
FM-50c MICRONESIA HALF DOLLAR 2012 BOAT
& SHELLS UNC.
$5.00
Item
FM-25c MICRONESIA QUARTER DOLLAR 2012 TUNA
UNC.
$4.50
Item
FM-10c MICRONESIA DIME 2012 HERON UNC.
$4.00
Item
FM-5c MICRONESIA 5 CENTS 2012 MOORISH IDOL
UNC.
$3.50
Item
FM-1c MICRONESIA 1 CENT 2012 FLYING FOX UNC.
$3.00
RARE
KAGU BIRD ON FIRST COIN OF NEW CALEDONIA
In
1949 the French colony of New Caledonia issued its first coins.
New Caledonia consists of 4 groups of islands in the South-western
Pacific about 750 miles (1,210 km) east of Australia. France
took possession of the Pacific islands in 1853, after
the natives ate a group of French missionaries and members of a French
survey team. The following year France established a penal
colony there. The first coins for New Caledonia were not
until almost 100 years late, in 1949. One of the first coins
issued was this aluminum 50
Centimes. The coin features a seated figure of
Maranne, the national symbol of France on the reverse, and a Kagu bird
on the obverse. The Kagu is a rare, nearly flightless bird
that is only found in New Caledonia.
Item
NC-1
NEW CALEDONIA 50 CENTIMES 1949 KM1 UNC. $3.00
ATTRACTIVE
NIUE DOLLARS DEPICTS SWORD FISH
Niue is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean about 1500 miles
(2,400 km) northeast of New Zealand. It has an area of about
100 square miles (261 sq.km.) and a population of less than
2000. The British monarch is the head of state. New
Zealand handles its defense and foreign affairs. Captain
James Cook named the island Savage Island in 1774, because of the
hostility of the natives. British missionaries began to
arrive in the 1830’s and eventually the islanders were converted to
Christianity. The 2009 Niue issued 1 Dollar coin features
Queen Elizabeth on the obverse
and a swordfish on the reverse. The 32mm coin
is struck in aluminum-bronze.
Item
NU-1D09 NIUE 1 DOLLAR 2009 BU $8.00
20th
ANNIVERSARY PAPUA-NEW GUINEA MINT SET FEATURES WILDLIFE
The
Bank of Papua New Guinea released this official 6 coin packaged mint
set to celebrate the countries 20th anniversary of independence in
1995. Papau New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries
in the world, with over 800 spoken languages. The 1995 dated coins
feature native wildlife. The 1 Kina features Saltwater and
River
Crocodiles crawling around the center hole of the coin. A
Cassowary, a large flightless bird, is on the 20 Toea. The 10
toea shows a Cuscus, a large marsupial "monkey". A Plateless
Turtle is on the 5 Toea. The 2 Toea shows the Ornate
Butterfly
Cod Fish and a Butterfly is on the 1 Toea. The reverse of the coins
depict an outstretched Bird of Paradise, which is the national emblem
of Papua New Guinea. The Brilliant Uncirculated coins were struck at
the Royal Canadian Mint and come in a descriptive folder. It
is
an attractive set of wildlife coins
Item
PNG-SET95 PAPUA NEW GUINEA OFFICIAL 1995 SIX
COIN WILDLIFE MINT SET $12.00
PAPUA
NEW GUINEA
CROCODILE KINA
The
Papau New Guina 1 Kina features a Salt Water Crocodile and a River
Crocodile chasing each other around the center hole of the coin.
The obverse features the national crest of Papau New Guinea.
The 38.6mm nickel plated steel coin is dated 2004 and is
Brilliant Uncirculated.
Item
PNG-1K PAPUA NEW GUINEA 1 KINA 2004 CROCODILE
KM6a UNC.
$3.00
PAPUA
NEW GUINEA CENTRAL BANK
COMMEMORATIVE NOTE AND COIN
Reduced
size note image
Item
PM-PNG-20K PAPUA NEW GUINEA 20 KINA 35th
ANNIVERSARY NOTE 2008 P36 AU-UNC. OUT
Item
PNG-2K PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2 KINA 35th
ANNIVERSARY COIN 2008 KM51 UNC.
$4.00
PHILIPPINE COIN
SET
This 6 coin set includes the 1, 5, 10, 25 Sentimos, 1 and 5 Piso dated
1995 to 2000. The 1 and 5 Sentimos are both 15.5mm and both
made of copper-plated steel. The 5 Sentimos was made with a
center hole to help distinguish it from the 1 Sentimo. The 1
and 5 Piso depict Philippine heroes Jose Rizal and Emilio
Aguinaldo. Both fought for Philippines independence from
Spain. The reverse of all the coins except the 5 Sentimos
depict arms of the Central Bank of the Philippines which includes the
date 1993 (the year the bank was reorganized). All
six coins are Uncirculated.
Item
S-PH-SET6 PHILIPPINES 6 COIN SET 1 SENTIMO -
5 PISO
1995-2000 UNC. $5.00
AFRICAN ANIMALS
ON 2020
SAHRAWI COIN SET
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, also known as Saharaui, or
Western Sahara, is what used to be the Spanish Sahara. Though it
declared independence from Spain in 1975, Morocco also claims the
region and currently controls about 80% of the territory.
This non-circulating 5-coin 2020 dated set of the Saharawi Arab
Democratic Republic features African wildlife. The
1 Pesesta depicts a Black-collared lovebird. An African
Buffalo is on the 5 Peseta. A lion is on the 10
Peseta. Th 25 Peseta features a hippopotamus. The 50 Peseta
portrays a Gorilla. The obverse of all the coins
depict the national arms, which features a pair of crossed rifles
holding flags. The 1 Peseta is aluminum, the others are
nickel-plated steel.
Item
EH-SET20
SAHRAWI 5 COIN SET 1-50 PESETAS WILDLIFE 2020 UNC.
$19.95
SAINT
HELENA &
ASCENSION SEA TURTLE COIN
Saint
Helena and Ascension are remote British Overseas Territories in
the South Atlantic. The islands were discovered by the
Portuguese between 1501 and 1504. The British East India
Company settled St. Helena in 1657. Ascension was
formally settled in 1815 by the Royal Navy. During World War II and the
Space Race, Ascension housed an important airfield called “Wideawake”.
It was so named because of the loud, constant chatter of a nearby
colony of Sooty Terns. For a time, Ascension had the world’s
longest airport runway, which could be used as an emergency runway for
the Space Shuttle. In 1984 St. Helena and Ascension issued a
joint coinage for circulation on both islands. Included was this
seven-sided 50 Pence. Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. The reverse features a swimming Green sea turtle.
Item SH-50P
ST. HELENA & ASCENSION 50 PENCE
1984 KM5 UNC.
$5.00
EAST INDIA
COMPANY SILVER COIN FOR ST. HELENA HONORS NAPOLEON
The
East India Company issued this 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 1
Pound coin for Saint Helena in 2021 to mark the 200th anniversary of
the death of Napoleon
Bonaparte. Napoleon died in exile on
the tiny island in 1821. His body was returned to France in
1840, however the elaborate tomb was not completed until 1861, some 40
years after his death. The reverse of the coin depicts one of
the twelve marble angels that guard Napoleon's tomb in Paris.
Below is the privy mark of the East India Company. Queen
Elizabeth is on the obverse. The East India Company has an
historic connection to St. Helena dating back to 1658 when the company
was granted a charter to govern the island.
Item
SH-ANGEL21
ST. HELENA 1 POUND 2021 NAPOLEON ANGEL
BU $45.00
BEAUTIFUL
POLYMER NOTES OF ST. THOMAS & PRINCE
Saint Thomas and Prince (Sao Tome e Principe) is a poor island nation
off the west coast of Africa, yet they have some of the most attractive
banknotes in the world. These 5 and 10 Dobras polymer notes
are dated 2016, but were not released into circulation until
2018. There issued for a 1000 to 1 revaluation of the Dobra
and as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Central
Bank. The notes were designed and printed by De La Rue. The
fronts of these beautiful notes depict a butterfly. The notes have two
see-through windows, one featuring a butterfly, the other Rei Amador,
who in 1595 led a slave revolt against the Portuguese. The
back of the 5 Dobras features a Sao Tome shrew and a map of the
islands. The 10 Dobras pictures a Sao Tome prinia bird and a
map.
Item
PM-ST-SET2 ST. THOMAS & PRINCE 5
& 10 DOBRAS NOTES P70 & 71 2016 (2018) UNC. $12.00
SAMOA COIN SET
This
set of five 2011 dated coins from Samoa (formerly known as Western
Samoa) includes the 10, 20, 50 Sene, 1 and 2 Tala. The
scalloped
edged brass-plated 2 Tala features the Samoan Arms. A
traditional
kava bowl and whisk are on the 1 Tala. A Manumea, a pigeon
found
only in Samoa is on the 50 Sene. Samoa’s national
flower,
the Teuila, is on the 20 Sene. A fautasi race utilizing paddled long
boats is on the 10 Sene. The obverses of the coins feature
the
bust of Samoan Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.
Item
WS-SET11 SAMOA 5 COIN SET: 10 SENE - 2 TALA,
2011 UNC $9.75
THE
JESUS 1 OUNCE SILVER COINS FROM SAMOA
Each year Samoa issues a 39mm 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coin
featuring Jesus. The Samoan coat of arms is on the
obverse. The coins are legal tender for 2 Tala in
Samoa. Their Proof-Like finish that brings out the beautiful,
intricately detailed features of each design. The coins have a mintage
of only 15,000 pieces and come in a protective plastic capsule. A
portion of the proceeds from the sale of each coin is donated to
Christian charities. As might be expected, the Jesus coins are popular
with both collectors and non-collectors, especially around Christmas.
The theme of the 2024 issue is "Jesus the Creator".
The coin depicts Jesus standing. Around him is a series of
images representation the story of creation in seven days as told in
Genesis, Chapter one. Christ’s halo bears the inscription
ⲞⲰⲚ, signifying "The Being."
The
2023 issue features "Jesus
the Teacher". It features Jesus holding an open
Bible with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, representing the
beginning and end. To is right is ⲒⲎⲤ for Jesus and to his left is ⲠⲬⲤ
for Christ. Christ’s halo bears the inscription
ⲞⲰⲚ." Around the rim behind Christ is the Greek word for Holy.
"Light
of Christ" is the theme of the 2022
issue. The design depicts Jesus standing in front of a
church’s rose stained glass window. The Chi-rho Christogram is to the
right
Item
WS-JESUS24 SAMOA 2 TALA 2024 JESUS THE
CREATOR PROOF-LIKE $45.00
Item
WS-JESUS23 SAMOA 2 TALA 2023 JESUS THE
TEACHER PROOF-LIKE $45.00
Item
WS-JESUS22 SAMOA 2 TALA 2022 LIGHT OF CHRIST
PROOF-LIKE $47.00
Also see:
BIRTH OF CHRIST: Isle of Man 1 Crown 1997 KM799
SOLOMON
ISLANDS COIN SET FEATURES TRADITONAL THEMES
The Solomon Islands are located in the Southwest Pacific. It
is the home of Guadalcanal, scene of some of the fiercest fighting of
World War II. This seven coin set of the
Solomon Islands features native traditions. The 1 cent shows
a traditional native food bowl. The 2 cent pictures the Eagle Spirit. A
native mask is on the 5 cent. Ngorieru, the sea spirit, is on
the 10 cent. The 20 Cent pictures a Malaita pendant design.
The coat-of-arms is on the 50 cent and the head of Nusu-Nusu is on the
Dollar. The coins are dated 2005 and picture Queen
Elizabeth on the obverse.
Item
S-SB-SET7 SOLOMON IS. 7 COIN SET 1
CENT - 1 DOLLAR, 2005 UNC. $13.00
SO.
GEORGIA & SO. SANDWICH IS. HONORS WHALER'S CHURCH
South
Georgia & South Sandwich Islands commemorated the 100th
anniversary of The Whaler's Church at Grytviken with this 38.6mm
copper-nickel 2 Pound coin dated 2013. The church was pre-fabricated in
Norway and was built to hold a congregation of 200, many times the
population of the islands. Over the years it was used
sporadically for services, as well as a cinema, carpenter’s workshop
and potato storage. A complete restoration was done in the
1990’s. It is now used for weddings and Christmas carol
services for passengers of cruise ships and visiting naval vessels. The
Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.
Item
SGA-CHURCH SO. GEORGIA & SO. SANDWICH
ISLANDS 2 POUNDS 2013 CHURCH, BU
$9.75
MACARONI PENGUINS
ON TITANIUM AND COPPER-NICKEL COINS OF SO. GEORGIA & SO.
SANDWICH IS.
Macaroni Penguins are so named as the spectacular orange tufted plumes
on its head. In 18th century England, a Macaroni was an individual who
dressed with flamboyant or excessive ornamentation (as in the song
Yankee Doodle). In the summer they breed in colonies that number many
thousands of birds. They then disburse and have been known
swim 10,000 km (6,200 miles) before returning to land. The
British territory of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands depicts
four Macaroni Penguins on their 2019 Two-pound coins. Queen
Elizabeth is on the obverse. The coins are struck in both
pale blue titanium and copper-nickel with the same design.
The titanium version is 36.1mm, weighs only 10 grams, has a mintage of
7,500 and come in a box with a Certificate of
Authenticity. The copper-nickel version is 38.6mm
and has a mintage of 10,000 pieces. Both coins are Brilliant
Uncirculated.
Item
SGI-TIT-PENG19 SO.GEORGIA &
SO.SANDWICH IS. 2
POUNDS 2019 MACARONI PENGUIN BLUE TITANIUM BU $49.00
Item
SGI-CN-PENG19 SO.GEORGIA &
SO.SANDWICH
IS. 2
POUNDS COPPER-NICKEL 2019 MACARONI PENGUIN BU out
TONGA 1967
CORONATION PHILATELIC-NUMISMATIC COVER
Special
Philatelic-Numismatic Covers were issued to commemorate the
coronation of Tongan King Taufaʻahau Tupou IV on July 4,
1967. The cover includes a 1967 50 Senti commemorating the
coronation and a large, rare, foil 4 Senti postage stamp commemorating
the coronation and depicting the 1 Pa’anga coin with a special
Coronation First Day Cover Postmark. The coin depicts the king on the
obverse and the Tongan coat of arms on the reverse. The King was a big
man, weighing 462 pounds (209.5 kg.) and measuring 6 feet, 5 inches
(196 cm). He died at age 88 in 2006 after reigning
for almost 41 years. The copper-nickel 50 Senti
coin depicts the king on one side and the Tongan coat of arms on the
other. It has a mintage of only 15,000 pieces and was stuck at the
British Royal Mint. The cover is 5 x 3.5 inches (120 x 92 mm)
Item
TO-PNC TONGA 50 SENTI 1967 KM15 IN
CORONAATION FIRST DAY COVER PNC BU
$7.50
Item
TO-PNCx3 3 of the above TONGA CORONATION
FIRST DAY COVERS WITH COIN
$15.00
TONGA COIN SET
FEATURES FOOD
The designs of this five coin set from the island nation of Tonga, also
called the Friendly Islands, were created for World Food Day, and so
feature staples of the local diet. The 2005 1 Seniti pictures
an ear of corn on one side and a vanilla plant on the other.
The 2002 2 Seniti features a Taro plant on the front and the cut-out
paper dolls and legend “PLANNED FAMILIES - FOOD FOR ALL” on the
back. The 2005 5 Seniti features a hen and chicks
on the front and coconuts on the back.
The 2005 10 Seniti has a bust of King Taufa'ahau on the front
and a bunch of bananas on the back. The 2002 20 Seniti
portrays the king on the front and has yams on the back. All
coins are Uncirculated.
Item
S-TO-SET5 TONGA 5 COIN SET 1 - 20 SENITI
2002-05
KM66-70, UNC. $7.50
ATTRACTIVE
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
COIN SET
The Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago issued this attractive set
of five coins. The bronze 1 and 5 cent feature native
birds. The copper-nickel 10 and 25 cent show native plant
life. You can almost hear the steel drums being
played on the copper-nickel 50 cent coin. The 50 Cents is
dated 2003, the other coins date are 2012. All are Brilliant
Uncirculated.
Item
S-TT-SET5 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 5 COIN
SET 2003-12 KM29-33 BU $4.50
BRITISH
HEROES COINS INCLUDE MULTI-COLORED BRITISH FLAG
Heroes of Great Britain are featured this five coin set from the tiny
British possession of Tristan da Cunha. Each of the five
gold-plated 38.6mm 1 Crown coins includes an embedded red, white and
blue Union Jack of the United Kingdom. The 5 coin set contains an
individually serial numbered coin featuring “The Lone Soldier”, a
memorial to the fallen. Battle of Britain pilots Douglas
Badar and Keith Parks, along with their airplanes, are each featured on
their own coin. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill,
along with World War II aircraft is on the fourth coin.
Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and his ship,
is on the fifth coin. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of
each of the 2010 dated coins. The coins are Brilliant Uncirculated.
Item TDC-HEROES5
TRISTAN DA CUNHA 5 COIN BRITISH HEROES SET,
BU
$39.50
KILLER
WHALE ON TRISTAN DA CUNHA COIN
Tristan
da Cunha is a small, cloudy, wet and windy island in the mid-Atlantic
with a population of about 250. Though its first permanent settlers
were from the United States, it has been a British possession since
1816. It has no airstrip so is accessible only by a six-day boat trip
from South Africa. During World War II it was commissioned by the Royal
Navy as a "Stone Frigate". Its main industries are fishing and the sale
of stamps and coins to collectors. A Killer Whale, also known
as an Orca, is on the reverse of the 2008 aluminum-bronze 20 Pence of
Tristan da Cunha. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.
Item
TDC-20P TRISTAN DA CUNHA 20 PENCE 2008 KM32
UNC. $4.00
TURKS
& CAICOS COINS FEATURE CRITTERS
Turks and Caicos Islands is a British overseas territory in the West
Indies. It has a population of only about 35,000.
It was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1512 and settled by royalist
sympathizers from the United States after the American Revolution. In
1969 the colony struck its first coin, a 38.5mm copper-nickel 1 Crown
featuring the islands coat of arms on the reverse. The arms
include a conch shell, lobster and cactus, supported by a pair of
flamingos with a pelican as its crest. The coin has a mintage
of only 50,000 pieces. In 1981 it issued a 24mm copper-nickel
Quarter Crown coin depicting a Spiny Lobster on the reverse.
It is the lowest denomination issued by the tiny island nation which
primarily uses the United States dollar. Both coins have the
young head of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.
Item
TC-1CR TURKS & CAICOS 1 CROWN
1969 KM1 UNC. $7.50
Item
TC-1/4CR TURKS & CAICOS 1/4 CROWN
1981 KM51
UNC. $5.00
COINS FROM FAR OFF
VANUATU
Vanuatu, formerly known as New Hebrides, is a group of islands in the
south-western
Pacific Ocean. For many years it was one of the few nations ever to be
ruled
as a condominium, being under the joint sovereignty of France and Great
Britain.
It gained full independence in 1980 and took the name Vanuatu, which
means
"our land forever". The coins reflect the nations resources. The 1, 2
and
5 Vatu coins show a sea shell. The 10 and 20 Vatu feature a crab and
palm
trees. The 50 and 100 Vatu show native plant life. The reverse of each
coin
shows a native warrior. The coins date between 1999 amd 2010.
Item
S-VU-SET7 VANUATU 7 COIN SET: 1 - 100 VATU,
1999-2010 KM3-9 UNC. $18.00
PRESIDENT OBAMA ON
VANUATU COIN
The
Pacific island nation Vanuatu issued this 10 Vatu coin in 2009 to
commemorate the inauguration of United States President Barack
Obama. The 39mm copper-nickel coin depicts the bust of Obama
and
a cameo of a Coronet Eagle on one side. The other side has
the
national emblem of Vanuatu which features a Melanesian warrior standing
in front of a curved boar's tooth. The curved boar's tooth
was a
traditional form of currency in Vanuatu.
Item VU-OBAMA
VANUATU 10 VATU 2009 OBAMA KM51 BU
$8.00
For more Island Coinage, please see:
MAUI TRADE DOLLARS
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This 2023 Aruba 5 Florin features Dutch
King Willem-Alexander on the obverse. The reverse includes
the Aruban coat of arms, denomination and date. The 23.5mm
aluminum-bronze coin has a lettered security edge with the inscription
“GOD ZIJ MET ONS” (God be with us).
Ascension commemorated the
50th anniversary of the First Man on the Moon with this limited edition
2019 copper-nickel 1 Crown coin. The coin features an astronaut on the
surface of the moon saluting the American flag. The Lunar
Module is in the background. The planet earth rises
above. The NASA logo is also featured in the
design. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. One
of NASA's main tracking stations for the Apollo 11 lunar landing
mission as well many other missions was located Devil’s Ashpit on the
eastern side of Ascension Island. The
38.6mm Brilliant Uncirculated coin has a mintage of just 1,969 pieces.
This
five coin set from The Bahamas features attractive designs,
unusual shapes and an unusual denomination. The 2015 1 cent
features three starfish. The 2015 5 cents depicts a
pineapple.
The 10 cents has scallopped edges, features a pair of
bonefish and is dated 2010. The 2005 square 15 Cents is an
unusual
shape and and unusual denomination. A Bahamian Sloop is on
the 2007 dated 25 Cents. The National Arms of The Bahamas is
on
the
obverse of each coin. All five coins are Brilliant
Uncirculated.
Bermuda struck this silver 1 crown in 1964. It was the last coin they
struck before switching to the decimal system in 1970.
Because Bermuda is a British colony, Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. The nations arms on the reverse features a wrecked
ship in a storm. The islands were discovered in 1503 by
Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez. Bermuda was not settled until 1609
when British ship Sea Venture, bound for Jamestown, Virginia was
wrecked on a reef. Though all survived the shipwreck, some decided to
stay in Bermuda rather than continuing to Virginia in two makeshift
boats that were built by the survivors. Shakespeare's The
Tempest may have been based upon this incident. The 36mm
silver crown contains .3636 troy ounces of silver. 
The
British Antarctic Territory issued this 2022 bi-metallic 2 Pound coin
to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the British
Antarctic Territory. The territory comprises the region south
of 60°S latitude and between longitudes 20°W and 80°W, forming a wedge
shape that extends to the South Pole. It includes the
Antarctic Peninsula and much of the Weddel Sea and overlaps claims by
Argentina and Chile. The 28.4mm coin has a copper-nickel
center within a nickel-brass ring. Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. A map of Antarctica highlighting the British
territory and the territorial arms are on the reverse. The
coin has a mintage of 1,950 and comes in a descriptive package.
Frolicking
bottlenose dolphins are featured on these three 1 Dollar coins of the
British Virgin Islands. The 2004 issue features a dolphin swimming in a
coral garden. The 2005 depicts a mother and baby
dolphin. The 2006 issue depicts two dolphins in play. The Ian
Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of these
38.6mm copper-nickel coins. The coins were a three-year
series featuring these playful creatures which inhabit the waters
surrounding the islands. The British Virgin Islands, located
northeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, have a population of about
30,000 and an area of just 59 square
miles (153 sq. km.). It includes about 16 inhabited islands
and some 50 smaller islands and cays. Only three annual issues
were struck for this attractive series, before it was
discontinued. 
The
British Virgin Islands recently released this beautiful 2021 reverse
cameo frosted silver Flamingo dollar. The word ‘flamingo’ comes from
the Portuguese/Spanish 'flamengo' meaning 'flame-colored'.
Flamingos
get their pink color from eating shrimp and algae containing
carotenoid. Featured on the coin is a flamingo in a typical pose,
standing on one leg with its head tucked down. In the
background is a flock of flamingos. Flamingos are very
sociable birds that live in colonies that can number thousands of
birds. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.
The 38.6mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and has a
mintage of only 10,000 pieces.
Cape
Verde is a group of 10 volcanic islands off the coast of
Africa. They were uninhabited until settled by the Portuguese
in 1462. They remained a Portuguese colony until independence in 1975.
The 1982 10 and 20 Escudos feature the busts of two "heroes of
independence" who had little direct involvement with Cape Verde gaining
independence. The 10 Escudos depicts Eduardo
Mondlane. He was a profession of anthropology and history at
Syracuse University prior to returning to Mozambique to lead the
Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). He was assassinated in
1969. Domingos Ramos, who appears on the 20 Escudos, fought
against the Portuguese in Portuguese Guinea. The denomination
and national emblem is on the reverse of both copper-nickel coins.
Cape
Verde is a group of ten islands located 350 miles (570 km.) off the
coast of Western Africa. It gained independence from Portugal
in 1975. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of independence,
and the 40th anniversary of its central bank it issued this circulating
28.5mm bi-metallic 250 Escudos dated 2015. One side,
commemorating 40 years of development and features a school teacher,
windmills, a family and other images. The other side
commemorates the 40th anniversary of Banco de Cabo Verde. It
includes the national arms and various monetary and financial symbols
(looks like the designer had fun with the wingdings fonts). 
Cape
Verde issued this circulating bi-metallic commemorative 200 Escudos
coin to honor 200 years of friendship with the United States.
The obverse of the 28mm coin depicts the flags of the European Union
and the United States and the legend "200 YEARS OF HISTORIC TIES AND
FRIENDSHIP". The legend on the reverse "200 ANOS DE LAÇOS HISTÓRICOS E
DE AMIZADE" which means the same thing in
Portuguese. Also on the reverse is a small map of the United
States superimposed on to a map of the Cape Verde Islands and the dates
"1818-2018".
In the late 18th and 19th century thousands of Cape Verde residents
immigrated to the United States to escape the droughts, volcanoes and
neglect by the Portuguese government which controlled the islands at
that time. Cape Verdean men, noted for being "hardworking, honest
seamen" were frequently hired by New England whaling
captains. Many thousands many eventually made their homes in
New Bedford, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island and elsewhere in
New England where large Cape Verdean communities still exist
today. The coin is Uncirculated, but has tiny bag marks from
being shipped loose in bank bags.
This
recent three coin set from the Cook Islands contains some unusual
coins. The obverse of all three coins portrays
the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth.
The reverse of the 2010 1 dollar coin is much more interesting however.
It portrays the very well-endowed fertility God Tangaroa. The
copper-nickel coin has a scalloped edge. The 2010 triangular
2 Dollar pictures a ceremonial morter and pestle.
The 2003 12 sided 5 dollar coin pictures a conch shell. 
Prussian
naturalist, geographer and scientist Alexander von Humboldt visited
Cuba twice, in 1800 and in 1804. While there conducted
detailed studies of Cuba's land, plants, animals and its
people. His work was so extensive that he has been called the
"Second Discoverer of Cuba" and was made an honorary citizen of that
country. In 1989 Cuba honored him on this 24mm copper-nickel
commemorative 25 Centavos. The obverse portrays the Cuban
arms. The reverse features Humboldt's bust in a cameo and two
birds. His studies and fame extended far beyond
Cuba. Numerous species, places and geographic features
including the Humboldt Current, as well as several colleges and
universities are named after him. The coin has a mintage of
only 17,000 pieces and catalogs $50.00!.
The
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank issued its first Two Dollar note to
commemorate the bank's 40th anniversary and it is impressive!
It is a candidate for the International Bank Note Society Banknote of
the year. The bank provides coins and currency for Anguilla,
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It
went all out on this circulating commemorative note. The
front of the 2023 polymer note depicts famed cricketeer Isaac Vivian
Alexander Richards, “The Master Blaster.” Also on the front
is a conch shell, the Central Bank building and reflective silver and
iridescent gold images of sea turtles and fish swimming in the clear
window towards the bottom. The back features a map of the
islands and an underwater scene with colorful tropical fish, corals and
a turtle. Both sides of the note include the bank's 40th
anniversary logo. The note glows in multiple colors under ultraviolet
(UV) light. It is 132 x 65mm. It is a lovely
banknote for any collection.
On
April 2, 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands.
Argentina claimed the islands, though have been a British Crown Colony
since 1841 and most residents were British. Argentina’s
military junta was hoping that a quick victory would divert attentions
from Argentina’s economic stagnation, inflation, widespread protests
and human rights violations. They did not expect Britain
would defend the islands. Despite being almost 8000 miles
(13,000 km.) away, the British struck back with force, and on June 14
Argentina surrendered. The war led to the collapse of Argentina’s
military junta, its restoration of democracy, and strengthened British
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. These three 38.6mm copper
nickel 1 Crown coins were struck for the Falkland Islands in 2007 to
commemorate the 25th anniversary of their liberation from Argentine
forces. One coin features an image of Britannia standing in
front of a map of the Falklands. Another features marching soldiers
carrying a Falkland flag. The third coin depicts 3 soldiers,
an army truck, a Vulcan B.Mk2 bomber and the aircraft carrier HMS
Invincible. During the war Vulcan bombers carried out
8,000-nautical-mile (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) round trip bombing missions.
The HMS Invincible had been sold to Australia in February
1982. At the start of the war Britain took the ship back and
used it in the war effort. All three coins depict Queen
Elizabeth on the obverse.
Native
wildlife is featured on this eight-coin set from the Falkland
Islands. The 1 pence pictures a pair of penguins.
An Upland goose is on the 2 Pence. The 5 pence features an
albatross. A pair of Ursine seals is on the 10 pence. The
seven-sided 20 pence shows a Romney marsh sheep. The
seven-sided 50 pence pictures the now extinct Falkland Island
fox. The 1 pound coin features the Falkland arms, which
includes a sailing ship and a sheep. The coin has a lettered
edge that reads “DESIRE
THE RIGHT”. The bi-metallic 2 Pound coin is
dated 2004 and shows a map on the islands in the center. It
has a lettered edge that reads "30
YEARS OF FALKLAND ISLANDS COINAGE". A variety of
native wildlife, including various birds, a seal, penguins and a
dolphin surround the map. The obverse all depict Queen
Elizabeth. The coins date from 2004 to 2019. 
France issued the first coins for its Pacific Ocean territories
of French Oceania in 1949. French Oceania comprises of 121
geographically
dispersed islands and atolls, including Tahiti, that stretched over
more than 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in the South Pacific Ocean.
In 1957 it was renamed French Polynesia. The
obverse of the 1949 aluminum 50 Centimes of French
Oceania depicts a tropical beach scene with palm trees, boats,
shells, and a bowl of fruit. The reverse depicts Marianne
seated holding a cornucopia and a torch. The coin was struck
at the Paris mint and were minted only a single year.
Five
bottlenose dolphins are pictured on the back of this 27.3mm 1997
Gibraltar 50 Pence coin. The Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen
Elizabeth wearing the George VI State Diadem in on the obverse. The
coin was struck only a single year. In 1997 Gibraltar reduced the
diameter of the 50 Pence coin from 30mm to 27.3mm. In 1998
the
Queen's portrait was updated to an older portrait of the Queen wearing
a tiara. At the bottom of the reverse is "AA" indicating the
die
that was used to strike the coin. 
This
circulating commemorative Gibraltar 50 Pence was issued for the 2019
Island games which were held in Gibraltar from July 6 to 12.
The games were attended by some 2000 athletes from 24 island
territories and nations from around the world competing in 14
sports. The seven-sided copper-nickel coin depicts a stylized
image of a Laser sail boat and sailor. 
This 2007 1 Crown from the Isle of Man
features a pair of facing swans forming a heart. The lovely
coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the
obverse. The copper-nickel coin is 38.61mm in
diameter. The Isle of Man, also known as Mann is a
self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea.
Isle
of Man celebrated the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ with
this attractive 1997 1 Crown. The coin depicts Mary holding
baby Jesus surrounded by angels. The Raphael David Maklouf portrait of
Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of the 38.6mm copper-nickel
coin. 
Jersey
is a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel off the coast of
France. It is one of the last remnants of the great medieval
Dukedom of Normandy that once controlled much of France and
England. The designs of on this eight-coin set reflect
Jersey's history. The bi-metallic 2 Pounds has a latent image
showing the denomination surrounded by the crests of the 12 Parishes on
the island. The 1 Pound depicts the Resolute, a schooner
built in Jersey in 1877. The seven-sided 50 Pence which
pictures the ruins of Grosnez Castle, the seven-sided 20
Pence that shows the Coriere lighthouse, the 10 Pence that depicts La
Hougue Bie, a Neolithic burial site, the 5 Pence that shows
Seymour Tower, the 2 Pence that pictures L’Hermitage in St. Helier and
the 1 Pence that shows Le Hocq Watchtower. Queen Elizabeth is
on the obverse. 
In
1949 the French colony of New Caledonia issued its first coins.
New Caledonia consists of 4 groups of islands in the South-western
Pacific about 750 miles (1,210 km) east of Australia. France
took possession of the Pacific islands in 1853, after
the natives ate a group of French missionaries and members of a French
survey team. The following year France established a penal
colony there. The first coins for New Caledonia were not
until almost 100 years late, in 1949. One of the first coins
issued was this aluminum 50
Centimes. The coin features a seated figure of
Maranne, the national symbol of France on the reverse, and a Kagu bird
on the obverse. The Kagu is a rare, nearly flightless bird
that is only found in New Caledonia.
Niue is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean about 1500 miles
(2,400 km) northeast of New Zealand. It has an area of about
100 square miles (261 sq.km.) and a population of less than
2000. The British monarch is the head of state. New
Zealand handles its defense and foreign affairs. Captain
James Cook named the island Savage Island in 1774, because of the
hostility of the natives. British missionaries began to
arrive in the 1830’s and eventually the islanders were converted to
Christianity. The 2009 Niue issued 1 Dollar coin features
Queen Elizabeth on the obverse
and a swordfish on the reverse. The 32mm coin
is struck in aluminum-bronze. 
The
Papau New Guina 1 Kina features a Salt Water Crocodile and a River
Crocodile chasing each other around the center hole of the coin.
The obverse features the national crest of Papau New Guinea.
The 38.6mm nickel plated steel coin is dated 2004 and is
Brilliant Uncirculated.
Saint
Helena and Ascension are remote British Overseas Territories in
the South Atlantic. The islands were discovered by the
Portuguese between 1501 and 1504. The British East India
Company settled St. Helena in 1657. Ascension was
formally settled in 1815 by the Royal Navy. During World War II and the
Space Race, Ascension housed an important airfield called “Wideawake”.
It was so named because of the loud, constant chatter of a nearby
colony of Sooty Terns. For a time, Ascension had the world’s
longest airport runway, which could be used as an emergency runway for
the Space Shuttle. In 1984 St. Helena and Ascension issued a
joint coinage for circulation on both islands. Included was this
seven-sided 50 Pence. Queen Elizabeth is on the
obverse. The reverse features a swimming Green sea turtle.
The
East India Company issued this 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 1
Pound coin for Saint Helena in 2021 to mark the 200th anniversary of
the death of Napoleon
Bonaparte. Napoleon died in exile on
the tiny island in 1821. His body was returned to France in
1840, however the elaborate tomb was not completed until 1861, some 40
years after his death. The reverse of the coin depicts one of
the twelve marble angels that guard Napoleon's tomb in Paris.
Below is the privy mark of the East India Company. Queen
Elizabeth is on the obverse. The East India Company has an
historic connection to St. Helena dating back to 1658 when the company
was granted a charter to govern the island. 
Special
Philatelic-Numismatic Covers were issued to commemorate the
coronation of Tongan King Taufaʻahau Tupou IV on July 4,
1967. The cover includes a 1967 50 Senti commemorating the
coronation and a large, rare, foil 4 Senti postage stamp commemorating
the coronation and depicting the 1 Pa’anga coin with a special
Coronation First Day Cover Postmark. The coin depicts the king on the
obverse and the Tongan coat of arms on the reverse. The King was a big
man, weighing 462 pounds (209.5 kg.) and measuring 6 feet, 5 inches
(196 cm). He died at age 88 in 2006 after reigning
for almost 41 years. The copper-nickel 50 Senti
coin depicts the king on one side and the Tongan coat of arms on the
other. It has a mintage of only 15,000 pieces and was stuck at the
British Royal Mint. The cover is 5 x 3.5 inches (120 x 92 mm)
ATTRACTIVE
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
COIN SET
Tristan
da Cunha is a small, cloudy, wet and windy island in the mid-Atlantic
with a population of about 250. Though its first permanent settlers
were from the United States, it has been a British possession since
1816. It has no airstrip so is accessible only by a six-day boat trip
from South Africa. During World War II it was commissioned by the Royal
Navy as a "Stone Frigate". Its main industries are fishing and the sale
of stamps and coins to collectors. A Killer Whale, also known
as an Orca, is on the reverse of the 2008 aluminum-bronze 20 Pence of
Tristan da Cunha. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.
The
Pacific island nation Vanuatu issued this 10 Vatu coin in 2009 to
commemorate the inauguration of United States President Barack
Obama. The 39mm copper-nickel coin depicts the bust of Obama
and
a cameo of a Coronet Eagle on one side. The other side has
the
national emblem of Vanuatu which features a Melanesian warrior standing
in front of a curved boar's tooth. The curved boar's tooth
was a
traditional form of currency in Vanuatu. 