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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.

INDIVIDUAL COINS FROM THE ABOVE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COIN SET:

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CHRISTMAS SCROOGE COIN FROM ASCENSION ISLAND

This 38.6mm copper-nickel 2020 dated 1 Crown from Ascension features Ebenezer Scrooge counting his money by candlelight. Surrounding him are three ghosts who visited him that eventful Christmas Eve – the Ghost of Christmas past, the Ghost of Christmas present and the Ghost of Christmas future.  The coin is based upon Charles Dickens popular story "A Christmas Carol".  Ascension Island does have a connection with Dickens - it is mentioned in his book Bleak House. The coin marks the 150th anniversary of the death of this popular author.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.   The coin, which features this favorite holiday tale of redemption, has a mintage limit of 10,000 pieces. 

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FIRST MAN ON THE MOON COIN FROM ASCENSION

One of NASA's main tracking stations for the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission and many other missions is located at Devil’s Ashpit on the eastern side of Ascension Island.  Ascension commemorated the 50th anniversary of the First Man on the Moon with this limited edition 2019 1 Crown.  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.  The 38.6mm Proof-like copper-nickel coin has a mintage of just 1969 pieces.

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WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE FROM ASCENSION ISLAND

Ascension Island commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the start of World War II with this copper-nickel 1 Crown.  An airbase was constructed on the island during the war for patrol operations.  The base was called "wideawake" because of a nearby colony of noisy terns.  The coin features three soldiers with tanks and war vehicles, ships and Lancaster airplanes in the background.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The 38.6mm coin has a maximum mintage of 10,000 pieces.

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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.

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CUTTY SARK ON BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY COIN

The Cutty Sark was one of the last and fastest British Tea Clipper Ships ever built.  She was launched 1869, the same year the Suez Canal was opened.  The China - London Tea trade was intensively competitive.  The first ship to arrive received numerous accolades and a premium for her tea.  It was a long journey lasting over 100 days, crossing the Indian Ocean and rounding the Cape of Good Hope before returning to England.   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. In 1892 she was sold to a Portuguese firm. 1922 she was the last clipper ship operating in the world, though by then her condition had deteriorated.  She was spotted by a retired British sea captain who purchased her in order to preserve the historic ship.  Her rigging was restored to and the she was used as a training vessel until about 1950.  In 1954 she was transferred to a permanent dry dock and is now a popular museum ship. This 2 Pound coin of the British Indian Ocean Territories commemorates the 150th anniversary of the building of the Cutty Sark.  It depicts the ship in full sail and the route she took from China to England as she traveled near the British Indian Ocean Territory.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of the 38.6mm copper-nickel coin.  The coin has a mintage of just 10,000 pieces. It is a magnificent coin featuring a magnificent sailing ship that was the ultimate example of what was an obsolete technology.

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RED FOOTED BOOBY ON TITANIUM AND COPPER NICKEL COINS OF BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY

The Red Footed Booby is a large sea bird, which as the name suggests, has red feet.  They are powerful and agile flyers that can dive into the sea at high speed in order to catch small fish and squid.  Its take-off and landing skills however leave a lot to be desired.  A mother Booby and her chick are featured on these 2019 dated 2 Pound coins of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The coin was minted in both red titanium and copper-nickel with identical designs. 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.

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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.

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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. 

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FLAMINGO COIN FROM BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands released a 2015 dated copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin featuring flamingos. The attractive coin depicts a flamingo wading in shallow water, with some of its favorite snacks shown just below the surface.  A flock of flamingos is in the background and the bright sun overhead.  The 38.6mm copper-nickel coin depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.

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ODD SHAPED COINS OF BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands issued three unusual 1 Dollar coins in the shape of national icons. The Eiffel Tower, the Big Ben clock tower and the United States Capitol Dome.  Queen Elizabeth and the date is on the obverse, the denomination and an image of the monument is on the reverse.  The coins are struck in "nickel-silver".  The 2014 issue depicting the Eiffel tower was issued in conjunction with the towers 125th anniversary.  Like the tower, the coin is very tall: It is 80.6 x 37.4mm   The Big Ben coin was issued in 2016 in honor of the Queen's 90th Birthday.  The time on the clock face, 2:40AM is the time when the Queen was born.  The coin measures 85mm by 19.5mm and has a maximum mintage of 5000 pieces.  The dome of the United States Capitol building was depicted on the 2017 issue.  It is 55 x 41mm and has a maximum mintage of 5000.   All the coins are Brilliant Uncirculated and come in a custom designed pouch.

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2018 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PEGASUS VIRENIUM & SILVER DOLLAR COINS 

With the overwhelming popularity of the 2018 British Virgin Islands Pegasus silver dollar, Pobjoy mint repeated the design on a British Virgin Islands dollar minted in Virenium.  Both coins depict Pegasus, the mythical horse, rearing up with his wings spread. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. Virenium is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel developed by Derek Pobjoy named after his wife Verena. The Virenium dollar is 28.4mm and has a mintage of only 4000 pieces.  The .999 fine 1 troy ounce silver dollar is 38.6mm, has a mintage of 50,000 pieces and has a frosted reverse Proof finish.

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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.

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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.

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2020 MAYFLOWER DOLLAR FROM BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands commemorated the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage which brought the Pilgrims from Plymouth, England to America in 1620.  It was a difficult and cramped voyage for the 102 passengers and about 30 crew members.  The first passengers boarded the 90-foot ship in July 1620.  After several false starts the Mayflower finally arrived in Massachusetts in November 1620, just as winter was starting.  By spring, when the ship returned to England, almost half of the passengers and crew had died.  The 38.6mm copper-nickel coin features the Mayflower Ship, with the words “The Mayflower” at the top and “1620 – 2020” at the bottom. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The Brilliant Uncirculated coin has a mintage of only 10,000 pieces.

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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).

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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.

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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. 

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BIMETALLIC 2010 COOK ISLAND DOLLAR 

The reverseo of this 2010 bi-metallic 1 Dollar coin from Cook Islands features the very well-endowed fertility God Tangaroa. The design is a perennial favorite with both coin collectors and non-collectors. The 15 stars along the edge represent the 15 Islands that make up the Cook Islands. The Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of the 26mm Brillian Uncirculated coin.   

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2015 COOK ISLANDS COIN SET INCLUDES ODD SHAPES & INTERESTING DESIGNS

Cook Islands released into circulation a new series of 2015 dated coins in conjunction with the islands 40th anniversary of independence. Most of the coins utilize previously used designs, however the coins are struck in different sizes or metals.   The 1, 2 and 5 dollar coins are similar in size to the previous issues, however are struck in aluminum bronze. The 10, 20 and 50 Cents are struck in nickel-plated steel and are smaller than previous issues. The coins were struck at the Royal Australian Mint.   The twelve-sided 5 Dollar coin depicts a Vaka, a traditional double-hulled sailing ship.  The triangular 2 Dollar coin portrays a ceremonial mortar and pestle.  The scalloped edged 1 Dollar features the very well endowed fertility god Tangaroa.  A tuna is on the 50 Cents, a Fairy Tern bird on the 20 Cents and an orange on the 10 Cents. The Ian Rank- Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of each of the coins.  It is a new and attractive set with unusual shapes and some interesting designs. 

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RECENT 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. 

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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 of the coins pictures Queen Elizabeth.  The coins date from 1998 to 2004.  It is an interesting set featuring a variety of animals.

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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.
INDIVIDUAL COINS FROM THE ABOVE FAROE SET

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ELVIS PRESLEY DOLLAR FROM FIJI

Elvis Presley is featured on this 2012 silver-plated 1 Dollar coin of Fiji.  The reverse features two images of Elivs on the reverse, one with a guitar, and a color image of him dancing. The coin has the inscription "MUSIC IS MY LIFE * ROCK ' N ROLL".  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The 38.61 mm coin was struck at the Helvetic Mint in Switzerland and has a mintage of just 2500 pieces.  That is quite a small number considering how many Elvis fans there are in the world!

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RARE GREENLAND MONEY CHITS

These cardboard money chits, also called Greenland stamp money, were used in Greenland from 1910 until 1926.  The chits were needed because of a lack of small change. The set includes the brown 1 Ore, yellow 2 Ore, violet 5 Ore, pink 25 Ore and the blue 1 Krone. The denomination is printed on one side and the other side is blank. They are approximately 21x34mm.   The chits have perforated edges, like postage stamps, as they were originally issued in sheets.   (During World War II chits were overprinted "Grl. Adm.", these chits  pre-date the World War II issue).  These Greenland chits are exceedingly scarce.   These are not listed in The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, however they are included in the more comprehensive The Banknote Book. We were fortunate enough to obtain a few sets from a small hoard.

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GREENLAND TRI-METALLIC PATTERN COIN

Greenland was discovered and colonized by the Vikings in the 10th Century. By the early 15th Century the Viking settlements had died out or were abandoned and Inuit settled Greenland.  In 1721 Denmark began to recolonize the island and made it a crown colony of Denmark of in 1924.   In 1979 Greenland voted to be and autonomous region under Denmark.  There is an active independence movement. In 2010 a coin dealer in the United States struck this unofficial pattern (prove) tri-metallic 50 Kroner for an independent Greenland.  The coin depicts a dog sled team on one side and the Polar Bear arms of Greenland on the other.  The 34.2mm coin features a copper outer ring, brass middle ring and a copper-nickel center. 

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OLD COINS OF THE OF BALIWICK OF GUERNSEY

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is located off the coast of France.  It has been a British possession since the Norman Conquest in 1066.  For many years they 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 three coins in 1956: a bronze 4 Doubles depicting a Guernsey lily, a bronze 8 Doubles with 3 lilies and a scalloped, copper-nickel 3 Pence picturing a Guernsey cow.  Guernsey’s next coin issue was in 1959, when they issued just the 8 Doubles and 3 Pence.  The 8 Doubles was the same as the 1956 issue.  The 3 Pence had the same design, but was thicker.  The obverses of all the coins Guernsey’s coat-of-arms which depicts three stylized lions. The coins are Uncirculated, though may be slightly toned.

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INDONESIA COIN SET INCLUDES NEW TYPES

This 4 coin set from Indonesia includes the 2016 100 Rupiah depicting Dr.Herman Johannes, a professor, scientist and politician, the 2008 200 Rupiah featuring a Bali Starling bird, 2008 500 Rupiah with a Jasmine flower and the 2016 1000 Rupiah picturing I Gusti Ketut Pudja, a politician who is a national hero,  The 1000 Rupiah is nickel-plated steel, the others are aluminum.   The 100 and 1000 Rupiah have the Indonesian arms next to the portrat on the obverse and the denomination on the reverse.  The 200 and 500 Rupiah feature the Indonesian arms on the obverse.  All four coins are Uncirculated.

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KIRIBATI COINS FEATURE NATIVE WILDLIFE

Kiribati is a group of over 30 small islands spread out over a million square miles (2,560,000 sq. km.) in the Pacific Ocean with a population of only about 111,000.  It was once the site of nuclear testing ground and had large phosphate deposits; however the phosphate has been mined out and it is now one of the poorest nations in the world.  This two coin set includes the copper-nickel 1979 5 cents features a Stump-tailed Gecko and the bronze 1992 1 cent depicting a Christmas Island Frigate bird. The Kiribati arms, which depict a frigate bird above the sun rising over the ocean is on the obverse of both.

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SCARCE FIRST COINS OF KIRIBATI

Kiribati, formerly the Gilbert Islands, gained independence from Great Britain in 1979.  In 1983 a treaty added the Line Islands, including Kiritimati (Christmas Island), which had been claimed by the United States.  Today Kiribati includes 32 atolls and one coral island with a total land area of 310 square miles (800 sq.km.) spread over 1.3 million square miles (3.5 million sq.km.) of ocean straddling the equator as well as the eastern and western hemispheres.  It has a population of only about 111,000.  It issued its first circulating coins in 1979 upon gaining independence.  The coins have the national emblem on the obverse, which features a Frigatebird flying over the ocean and the rising sun.  The reverse of the 12-sided 1 Dollar features an outrigger canoe.  A panda nut is on the 50 cents.  Three dolphins are on the 20 Cents. Bread Fruit is on the 10 Cents.  A Stump-tailed Gecko is on the 5 cents.  A B'abal plant is on the 2 cents. And a Christmas Island Frigate is on the 1 Cent.  The five higher denominations are struck in copper-nickel and have mintages of only 20,000 pieces each.  The 1 and 2 Cents are bronze.  It is an attractive and hard to find set from a country that has issued few coins for circulation.  

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2011 LUNDY COIN SET FEATURES PUFFINS 

The coins of Lundy have been long been popular with collectors. Lundy is a small island off the coast of England, inhabited by about 30 residents as well as puffins and numerous other birds. It has been inhabited since Neolithic times by various groups including Vikings, the Knights Templar, a Sheriff who used the island to house convicts that he was supposed to deport to Virginia, and numerous pirates, including Barbary Pirates from North Africa. Today it is owned by the National Trust for the British people and is a popular destination for tourists. It is considered to be one of Britain’s greatest natural wonders. The island was purchased in 1924 by British merchant Martin Coles Harman, who proclaimed himself "king" of the island. He issued postage stamps, and in 1929 issued two coins, a bronze 1/2 Puffin and 1 Puffin, which were equivalent to the British 1/2 Penny and Penny. The coins had limited circulation on the island and were often brought home by tourists as a souvenir. The issue probably would have been forgotten if the British government had not brought Mr. Harman into court in 1930 for the "unauthorized minting of money". He was eventually fined £5 plus court costs, and the coins became an instant hit with collectors. In 1965 a second issue of the coins was made. The coins had the same designs but were struck in different metals and dated 1965. The British government wisely chose to ignore the coins. In 2011 a series of five Lundy coins was released. All the coins bear the portrait of Martin Coles Harman as it appeared on the earlier Lundy issues. Like the 1929 issues, the 1/2 Puffin portrays the head of a puffin on the reverse and the 1 Puffin portrays puffin standing on a rock. Both are struck in copper-plated zinc. The brass 2 Puffins pictures two puffins in flight. The brass 4 Puffins depicts four puffins flying around the Old Light House which was built in 1787. The 38mm copper-nickel-zinc 6 Puffins pictures six puffins flying over the Marisco Castle, which was built by Henry III. Like the original 1929 issues, the 2011 1/2, 1, 2 and 4 Puffins bear the edge inscription "Lundy Lights and Leads", which is a reference to the islands two lighthouses. They are attractive coins from a tiny but beautiful and historic island.

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ATTRACTIVE COINS OF THE MALDIVE ISLANDS

The Maldive Islands are a group of about 2000 small, mostly uninhabited islands in the Indian Ocean. Their coins reflect their national heritage. The 1 Laari shows a native Palm tree. The 5 Laari shows two Bonito fish, as fishing is one of the main industries in the Islands. The 10 Laari portrays a native sailing ship. The 25 Laari shows the tower to a Mosque, as Islam is the nations main religion. A sea turtle is on the 50 Laari. The nation's coat-of-arms is on the 1 Rufiyaa, while a sea shell is on the brass 2 Rufiyaa.  The coins are Uncirculated.

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2017 BI-METALLIC MALDIVES COIN FEATURES SEA-SHELL  

Maldives recently released a redesigned 2017 dated 2 Rufiyaa coin featuring a Triton’s Trumpet shell.  The large shell can reach up to 2 feet (60cm) in length. The 25.5mm bi-metallic coin has a nickel-plated steel center and a nickel-brass ring.  Maldives is a chain of 26 low lying atolls spanning about 115 square miles (300 sq.km.) in the Indian Ocean.  It is one of the world’s lowest countries.  Its highest point is less than 8 feet (2.4 meters) above sea level. 

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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.
INDIVIDUAL MICRONESIA COINS FROM ABOVE SET:

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FIRST COINS OF NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia is a group of about 25 islands located in the South Pacific.  France took possession of the islands in 1853 after the natives ate a group of French missionaries and members of a French survey party.  The following year they established a penal colony there.  France finally issued the first coins for New Caledonia in 1949 when they issued a 50 Centimes, 1 and 2 Franc.  In 1952 they issued a 5 Franc coin.  All four coins are aluminum and have the same design. The reverse features a seated figure of Maranne, the national symbol of France.  The obverse depicts a Kagu bird, which is a rare, nearly flightless bird that is only found in New Caledonia.   

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ATTRACTIVE NIUE DOLLAR DEPICTS SWORD FISH

This attractive 38.6mm copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin from the Pacific Island nation of Niue depicts a Sword Fish on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.  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.  Today Niue is a self-governing nation that is in association with New Zealand, which handles its defense and foreign affairs. The British monarch is the head of state. It has a population of less than 3000 and an area of about 100 square miles. 

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RUSSIAN NUCLEAR ICEBREAKER ON ULTRA-HIGH RELIEF SILVER COIN

This impressive, ultra-high relief, 1 troy ounce silver 2 Dollar coin of Niue depicts a Russian Arktika class nuclear powered icebreaker. Russia is the only nation to have built nuclear icebreakers. The huge ships are designed to break through the polar ice along the Northern Sea Route, from the Barents Sea to Bering Strait, clearing the way for cargo and other ships.  The ships were the first surface vessels to North Pole.  Since 1989, some of the icebreakers have been used for Arctic tourist cruises. The 40mm .999 fine, 1 troy ounce silver coin had an authorized mintage of 999 pieces of which only 750 were struck. The coin has a satin-antique finish.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  I am not sure what the connection is between the tropical island of Niue and a Russian nuclear icebreaker, but it is a very nice coin with an attractive ship design. 

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2020 NIUE KOALA COIN SUPPORTS WILDLIFE SERVICES

Niue released a 2020 copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin depicting a cute Koala and the Australian flag superimposed on a map of Australia. Above is the inscription "PRESERVE PLANET EARTH".  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coins goes to support the New South Wales Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service  (NSW - WIRES)  It is the largest wildlife rescue & rehabilitation charity in Australia.  The 38.6mm coin comes in a presentation pack.  It has a mintage of just 2020 pieces.

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NIGHTINGALE ISLAND CROWN

Nightingale Island is an active volcanic island that is part of the Tristan da Cunha group.  Though it has no permanent inhabitants, Tristan da Cunha issued this 2011 dated 1 Crown coin for Nightingale Island.   The coin features a seal, the denomination and the name of the island on the reverse.  Queen Elizabeth and “Tristan da Cunha” is on the obverse.  The 39mm coin is struck in copper-nickel and is Brilliant  Uncirculated.

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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

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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.

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA CENTRAL BANK COMMEMORATIVE NOTE AND COIN

To celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2008 the Bank of Papau New Guinea, the nation's central bank, a commemorative 20 Kina note and a bi-metallic 2 Kina coin. The bank was founded in 1973, two years before the nation achieved independence.   The back of the note features various forms of traditional currency used in Papua New Guinea, including including a boar, cowry shell necklace and beads. The front depicts the Papua New Guinea Parliament building, the bird of Paradise and a special Bank of Papua New Guinea 35th Anniversary emblem in the lower left corner.  The note has a watermark logo of the Bank and a special embedded silver thread.  The 33mm bi-metallic 2 Kina features the national emblem, an outstretched Bird of Paradise bird on the obverse. The bank's logo is on the reverse.   Because of the country's remoteness, Papau New Guinea notes and coins are difficult to obtain.

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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. 

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RARE COIN OF REUNION

Reunion is a small island east of Madagascar that is an overseas department of France. This 1964 aluminum 1 Franc of Reunion depicts sugar cane, a traditional crop on the island, on the reverse.  The obverse depicts Marianne, the national symbol of France, and four ships.

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LAND AND SEA BATTLES OF THE NAPOLEONIC WARS

Saint Helena, the island where Napoleon was exiled and died, released a series of gold-plated, multi-colored 25 Pence coins in 2013 commemorating the naval and land battles of the Napoleonic Wars.  The Napoleonic Wars was a world war before the World Wars, with battles fought on land and sea in Europe, Africa and the Americas. The wars ended with the defeat of France in 1815.  The Napoleonic Wars brought about the supremacy of the Britain as a world power for the next 100 years.  Spain lost her Empire, with the nations of Latin America gaining their independence. The map of Europe was redrawn. The Holy Roman Empire was dissolved and many tiny Germany states were consolidated. The coins come in two six coin sets, one set depicting land battles, and one depicting naval battles.  Each of the 38.6mm gold-plated 25 pence coins depicts a different battle scene in color, along with a portrait of Napoleon  The six coins depicting land battles feature the Battle of the Pyramids in 1798, Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, Battle of Jena in 1806, Battle of Borodino in 1812, Battle of Leipzig in 1813 and Napoleons final defeat in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Below the battle scene is a depiction of Napoleon and his troops.   The six coins depicting naval battles feature the Battle of the Nile in 1798, Battle of Diamond Rock in 1805, Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, Battle of San Domingo in1806, Battle of Basque Roads in 1809 and the Battle of Grand Port in 1810. Sailing ships are featured below each battle scene. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of each coin. They are reasonably priced, historical sets depicting the battles that brought about a transformation of the world. 

ALSO SEE:

FRENCH DOMAINS OF ST. HELENA CELEBRATES DEATH OF NAPOLEON

SCARCE ST. HELENA BANKNOTE FEATURES SAILING SHIPS: 50 PENCE (1979) P5

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LAST 20 CENTAVO COINS OF PORTUGUESE ST. THOMAS & PRINCE

The St. Thomas & Prince (Sao Tome and Principe) was a Portuguese colony located off the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. These two bronze 20 Centavos are the last of that denomination struck before it gained independence in 1975.  Both coins have the same design with the denomination on one side and the arms of St. Thomas & Prince and the date on the other.  The only difference is the 1962 issue is 18mm, while the 1971 issue was reduced to 16mm.   Coins are rarely seen from this small, little known, African island nation.

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2017 COINS OF ST. THOMAS & PRINCE FEATURE BIRDS  

St. Thomas and Prince (São Tomé and Príncipe) are a former Portuguese colony off the west coast of Africa. On January 1, 2018 it did a 1000 to 1 revaluation of their currency. New coins dated 2017, were issued.  Included are the 10, 20, 50 Centimos and 1 and 2 Dobras. The coins feature the coat-of-arms on the obverse and native birds on the reverse.

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SAMOA COIN & STAMP SET

This set includes a 7 coin set and a canceled stamp from Western Samoa (now Samoa) mounted on a large, attractive card.  The coins include the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Sene dated 1974 and the seven-sided 1984 1 Tala in Uncirculated condition.  The set was issued as part of Franklin Mint's "Coin Sets of All Nations" program.  Due to a fortunate purchase we can offer this set at far less than its original price.

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ATTRACTIVE COMMEMORATIVE POLYMER NOTE FROM SAMOA

Samoa issued this attractive polymer 2 Tala banknote to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malietoa Tanumafili II (also known as Susuga) as Head of State in 1990.  The front of the note includes his portrait and a view of Mulivai Immaculate Conception of Mary Roman Catholic Cathedral, fales (traditional huts) and two buses on Beach Road in the capital city of Apia.  The Cathedral was damaged in 2009 and is being rebuilt.  The back depicts a family scene and the national emblem.  The transparent window in the note features a Kava bowl.  The note was withdrawn from circulation in 2011 and replaced with a 2 Tala coin. The undated note measures 140x72mm and is Uncirculated.

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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. 

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ONE YEAR TYPE FROM THE SEYCHELLES

The Seychelles is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean.  It was a British possession from 1810 until it achieved independence in 1976. This 1948 bronze 5 Cents of the Seychelles depicting King George VI was struck only a single year: 1948. It has a mintage of only 300,000 pieces.  The coin is Uncirculated, however may have some toning or minor spots from storage in the tropics.

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TURTLE ON SEYCHELLES COIN

A Green Sea Turtle is featured on this 1977 10 Rupees from Seychelles.  Beneath the turtle is the legend "SEA RESOURCE MANAGEMENT".  The obverse features the Seychelles coat of arms.   The 34.5mm copper-nickel coin was issued in conjunction with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) coin program.  The program encouraged nations to issue coins to encourage the production of more food. Some of the coins were sold to collectors to raise funds for agricultural programs. 

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SEYCHELLES COIN SET FEATURES PLANTS AND WILDLIFE 

The Seychelles are a group of 85 small islands in the Indian Ocean 600 miles ( 965km.) north-east of Madagascar.  This six coin set features flora and fauna of the islands. A mud crab is on the 1 Cent. A tapioca plant is on the  5 Cents.  The 10 Cents pictures a yellowfin tuna.  A black parrot is on the 25 Cents.  A triton conch shell is on the 1 Rupee. The 5 Rupees shows a fruit tree.  The national arms supported by two sailfish, is on the reverse of each coins.  The coins date from 2010 to 2013 and are Uncirculated.

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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. 

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HUMPBACK WHALES ON SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS COIN

A humpback whale and her calf are featured on this 2006 dated 2 Pounds coin of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.  Humpback whales can grow to over 50 feet (15m) in length and weigh 30 tons.  Despite their size the feed on krill and small fish.  The whales can migrate some 16000 miles (25,000km.) each year between polar waters and their subtropical and tropical breeding grounds.  We sometimes see these impressive whales breaching in the waters off of Grover Beach.  South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are remote, inhospitable islands located some 800 miles (1300km) southeast of the Falklands. Whaling was the main industry on the islands until it was outlawed in the 1960's. Now the islands host a small a small summer population and a number of cruise ships. The 38.6mm copper-nickel coin depicts Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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PILOT WHALES ON 2017 SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS COIN

Pilot Whales are large, robust members of the dolphin family, which can weigh as much as 7000 pounds (3,200kg.) and reach a length 24 feet (7.2 meters). These intelligent marine mammals form close social bonds and live in tight-knit pods.  The Pilot Whale received its name due to a belief that the pod always follows a single leader.  This may be the reason why entire pods of Pilot Whales often strand themselves on beaches – they follow their leader even when it makes a fatal mistake.   This 2017 copper-nickel 2 Pound coin of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands shows Pilot Whale in the foreground in the Antarctic waters with the head of a second whale appearing above the water. The top of a third whale can be seen just above the waterline in the background.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The coin is 38.6mm in diameter and is Brilliant Uncirculated.

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LOW MINTAGE GOLD COIN FEATURES MACARONI PENGUIN

This 2020 Proof 4 Pound gold coin of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands has an incredibly low mintage of just 199 pieces.  The 13.92 mm coin contains 1/25 troy ounce of gold.  The coin comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity in a red presentation box.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The reverse depicts a Macaroni Penguin.  Macaroni Penguins are so named because of the spectacular orange tufted plumes on its head. In 18th century England, a Macaroni was an individual who dressed with flamboyant or excessive ornamentation.

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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.

SRI LANKA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF COMMERCIAL TEA PRODUCTION

In July 2017 Sri Lanka released a circulating 10 Rupee commemorating the 150th Anniversary of that nation's commercial tea production.   The coin was requested by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.  It features the 150th Anniversary logo on the obverse.  The logo includes the lion and sword from Sri Lanka's arms and the legend "CEYLON TEA SYMBOL OF QUALITY".  The country changed its name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka, however the Tea Board decided to keep using Ceylon for marketing purposes.  The standard 10 Rupee reverse is used on the coin and includes the denomination and name of the country in Sinhala, Tamil and English. The eleven-sided 26.4mm chromium steel coin was struck at the Kremnica mint in Slovakia with a mintage of 5 Million pieces.  Though experimental tea plantings were done in Ceylog\n as early as 1824, coffee was the country's main export crop.  The first commercial tea plantings and exports did not come until 1867.  Coffee-rust was discovered on the island in 1869 and by the 1880's it destroyed most of the coffee trees.  Corporations purchased the ruined farms, created vast estates and replanted them with tea. Soon tea became the nation's main export crop.  Today Sri Lanka is one of the world's top tea exporters and is noted the high quality of its tea. 

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EAST TIMOR COIN SET

East Timor (Timor-Leste) achieved independence in 2002 after over 400 years of Portuguese rule and 27 years of Indonesian rule. To avoid monetary instability the new nation chose to use the United States Dollar as its currency.  The government is only allowed to issue coins denominated in Centavos (cents). This seven-coin set includes the It includes the 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 Centavos dating from 2003 to 2017.  The 1 Centavo shows a nautilus. The 5 Centavos features rice. The 10 Centavos shows a chicken. The 25 Centavos shows an outrigger sailboat.  Coffee beans are on the 50 Centavos.  Boaventura de Manufahi, who led a major revolt against the Portuguese in 1911, is on the bi-metallic 100 Centavos. A water buffalo is on the bi-metallic 200 Centavos.  The reverses feature the denomination and traditional designs. 



Also see:
PORTUGUESE TIMOR 20 ESCUDOS NOTE 1967

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2012 TOKELAU COIN SET 

Tokelau issued its first minor coins in 2012. The five coin set features the people and heritage of Tokelau.  The copper-nickel 20 cents depicts two Tokelauans in a boat.  The copper-nickel 10 cents a Tokelauan spear fishing.  The copper-nickel 5 cents and copper 2 cents depict dancers.  The copper 1 cent pictures a fish flying over an island.   The obverses of all the coins depict Queen Elizabeth, the Tokelau flag and a native geometric pattern.  Tokelau consists of three atolls totaling about 12 sq. km. located about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand.  It has a population of less than 1400.  It is dependent on New Zealand for economic and administrative support.  Tokelau has few natural resources, however it recently became the first nation to be completely solar powered. 

Also see:
TOKELAU 5 DOLLARS 2012 ORCAS SILVER PROOF

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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.

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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.

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TRISTAN DA CUNHA COINS FEATURE SEALIFE

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 "stone frigate". Its main industries are fishing and the sale of stamps and coins to collectors.  This 2008 seven-coin set of Tristan da Cunha features native sealife. The large (38mm) copper-nickel 1 crown depicts a pair of whales.  The bi-metallic 25 pence features a pair of bottlenose dolphins. A crab is on the 10 pence.  The 5 pence shows a sea turtle. A violet seasnail is on the 2 pence.  The 1 pence shows a lobster. A snipe eel is on the 1/2 Pence.  Because Tristan da Cunha is a British possession, Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  All seven coins are Uncirculated

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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.

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2015 VANUATU COIN SET  

Vanuatu introduced a new series of five coins in 2015.  The parliament building is on the scallop edged aluminum-bronze 100 Vatu.  Kava and coconuts are on the nickel-plated steel 50 Vatu, traditional community leaders, called "jifs" are on the nickel-plated steel 20 Vatu, a Coconut crab is on the nickel-plated steel 10 Vatu and an outrigger canoe is on the copper-plated 5 Vatu.  The obverse of the coins depict the arms of Vanuatu which includes a Melanesian warrior holding the spear,  a curved boar's tusk which as a traditional form of currency, and the legend "LONG GOD YUMI STANAP" which translates as "In God we stand". 

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For more Island Coinage, please see:

MAUI TRADE DOLLARS

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