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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.    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

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.


Also see:
ORIGINAL APOLLO 11 MOON LANDING MEDAL

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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 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.

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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 ISLANDS TEDDY BEAR DOLLAR

The British Virgin Islands issued this 38.6mm copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin in 2002 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Teddy Bear. In 1902, while on a competitive hunt, President Theodore Roosevelt was given an opportunity to shoot a bear that had been tied to a tree.  He refused, deeming it unsportsmanlike.  The story was spread through newspapers and soon American and German manufactures began selling stuffed plush toy Teddy Bears. For more than a century they are one of the most popular gifts to both children and adults.

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FRANCIS DRAKE & THE GOLDEN HIND ON BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND DOLLAR

Sir Francis Drake set off in December of 1577 aboard The Golden Hind what would be an epic three-year around the world voyage.  The voyage was intended for both exploration and attacking of Spanish ships and ports.  His raids on Spanish ships were so successful that the Queen Elizabeth's share of half of the treasure was more than enough to pay off England's national debt and still have a substantial sum left over.  The name Golden Hind refers to the female Red Deer that was on the crest of one of the patrons of the voyage: Sir Christopher Hatton.  This 2004 Dollar of the British Virgin Islands depicts Drake, his ship and a map of the British Virgin Islands. The map also includes St. John, which is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands!  Queen Elizabeth II is on the obverse.  The copper-nickel coin is 38.6mm in diameter.

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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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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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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2021 BI-COLOR TITANIUM & COPPER-NICKEL TITANIUM COINS

Two adult Caribbean Flamingos in front of a waterfall are featured on these 2021 coins of the British Virgin Islands.  The 36.1mm titanium 5 Dollar coin features pink flamingos against a green background.  The colors are not painted, but are annodized, so that they are an integral part of the metal of the coin.  Because the Titanium reacts differently with every strike, each flamingo coin is technically different from all others. The Titanium coin is shipped encapsulated in an acrylic capsule for protection and housed in a stunning red box with a Certificate of Authenticity. It has a mintage of only 5000 pieces.  The copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin is 38.6mm.   Both coins portray Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

Also see:
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR 2015 FLAMINGO, COPPER-NICKEL

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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.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS SILVER MORGAN-PEACE DOLLAR

The 100th anniversary of the last Morgan dollar and first to the Peace dollar is captured on this 2021 British Virgin Islands .999 fine 1 troy ounce silver dollar. In 1921 two types of silver dollars were struck by the United States, one using the image of Liberty created by George T. Morgan in 1878 and a new design representing Peace done by Anthony de Francisci. Like the U.S. 2021 commemorative Morgan and Peace dollars, the British Virgin Islands silver dollars quickly sold out at the mint as only 5000 pieces were struck.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of this beautiful reverse-frosted silver dollar.

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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. 

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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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IMPRESSIVE NEW COOK ISLANDS POLYMER 3 DOLLAR BILL  

Cook Islands released an impressive an new polymer 3 Dollar bill in 2021.  The design is an updated version of their popular original 3 Dollar bill.   The front depicts a nearly nude woman riding a shark.  The picture illustrates the mythical story of Ina, who rode a shark to be with her lover Tinirau, the god of the ocean.  The reverse includes a statue of the very well-endowed god Tangaroa and an man in his outrigger canoe watching the sunrise.

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CUBA'S CONFUSING COIN SYSTEMS

From 1994 until 2021 Cuba had unusual monetary system two different coin and currency systems.  The coins are not inter-changeable, but both are called Pesos.  Most Cubans are paid in the regular Cuban Pesos, which can be used to buy basic necessities.  Tourists, government employees and Cubans with overseas family that sent them hard currency used the Convertible Pesos. The Convertible Peso could be used to buy goods and services that were deemed to be "luxuries".  In reality that meant just about everything other than rice and beans.  This encouraged overseas family to send money to Cuba, yet allowed the government to keep all the hard currency.  We offer both sets of these distinct Cuban coins.  The regular Cuban Peso coins includes the aluminum 1, 2, 5, 20 Centavos, brass plated steel 1 and nickel clad steel 3 Pesos.  The centavo coins feature a star the reverse. The 1 Peso pictures Jose Marti and the 3 Peso pictures Che Guevara.  The Convertible Peso coins include the copper-plated steel 1 Centavo, the stainless steel 5, 10, 25, 50 Centavos and 1 Peso.  The coins depict famous Cuban landmarks.   The obverses of all the coins feature the Cuban national arms. 

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CYPRUS COIN SET 

This attractive six coin set from Cyprus feature designs inspired by the islands ancient heritage.  The 1 cent shows a stylized bird from an ancient jug, the 2 cents has a pair of stylized goats from an ancient bowl, the 5 cent shows the head of a bull from an ancient silver bowl, a pair of birds is on the 10 cents and the head of Zeno of Citium is on the 20 Cents. Zeno, who lived around 300BC, was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy. The seven-sided 50 cents shows an ancient scene of the abduction of Europa. On the reverse of each coin is the nation's arms and its name in three different languages: English, Greek and Turkish.  The coins are dated 2004 and are Uncirculated.  With the introduction of the Euro in 2008 the coins were declared obsolete and withdrawn, making them difficult to obtain.  

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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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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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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.


Also see:
GREENLAND 50 KRONER PATTERN COIN 2010

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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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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.

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INDONESIA COIN SET 

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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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.

SPECIAL - GET THE COMPLETE SET OF ALL 29 OF THE ABOVE ISLE OF MAN CAT COINS AND SAVE!
(The set is not packaged, each coin comes in its own envelope)

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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.

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JERSEY CELEBRATES THE NORMAN CONQUEST

The Bailiwick of Jersey is a British Crown Dependency off the coast of France.  It has been a British possession since the Norman conquest in 1066.  In 1966 it celebrated the 900th anniversary of the Norman conquest with these 1/12 and 1/4 shilling coins.  Both coins have similar designs, with Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and the arms of Jersey flanked by the dates 1066 and 1966 on the reverse.  The bronze 1/12 Shilling is 30.8mm, the  12-sided nickel-brass 1/4 Shilling is 21.1mm.  They were the last pre-decimal coins of Jersey.

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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.   

Also see:
KANAKY REPUBLIC COIN FEATURES KAGU BIRD

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WORLD WAR II SILVER DIMES FROM NEWFOUNDLAND 

These silver 10 cents were struck for Newfoundland during World War II. At the time Newfoundland was in a state of political and economic turmoil.  It was without a functioning parliament.   The Newfoundland 10 Cents features King George VI on the obverse.  The denomination, date and name of the nation are on the reverse.  The until 1945 the coins were struck in .925 (sterling) silver.  The 1945 issues were struck in .800 fine silver, the same as was used in Canada.

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MAORI CULTURE FEATURED ON OLD NEW ZEALAND COINS

The reverse designs of this New Zealand six-coin set reflect that nations ancient Maori culture.  The bronze 1/2 Penny depicts a Maori Hei-tiki ornament.  A Tui bird in a kowhai tree is on the bronze Penny. Maoris believed the Tui was a messenger of  the gods.  A pair of Maori war clubs is on the copper-nickel 3 Pence.  A now extinct Huia bird is on the copper-nickel 6 Pence.  The bird was regarded as sacred in Maori culture.  A crouched Maori warrior is on the copper-nickel shilling.  A kiwi, the national bird of New Zealand is on the copper-nickel Florin. The Mary Gillick portrait of young Queen Elizabeth I is on the obverse.  The Penny is dated 1964, the others are dated 1965.  The coins are Uncirculated, however the Penny may have toning or spots.

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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. Niue issued 1 Dollar coins in 2009 and 2010. Both coins have the same attractive design, with Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and a swordfish on the reverse.  The 2009 issue is 32mm and struck in aluminum-bronze.  The 2010 issue is 38.6mm and struck in copper-nickel.

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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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UNITED STATES SILVER PESO FOR THE PHILIPPINES

The United States gained the Philippines in 1898 as a result of the Spanish-American War.  To provide for the commerce in the new colony, the San Francisco Mint struck these attractive silver Pesos.  One side of the coin has the United States arms with an eagle; the other shows a woman in front of a volcano.  The coins date from 1907 to 1909 and were struck at the San Francisco mint. The "S" mintmark appears next to the date.   This is an excellent opportunity to get one of these historic silver coins from America's brief colonial empire.

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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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ST. HELENA COMMEMORATES THE 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 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.  Each of the 38.6mm gold-plated 25 pence coins depicts a different land battle scene in color, along with a portrait of Napoleon  The six coins 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.   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. 

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EAST INDIA COMPANY SILVER 1 POUND 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.

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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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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.

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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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2022 SAMOA CHRIST IS LIGHT 1 TROY OUNCE SILVER 2 TALA  

Jesus Christ standing in front of a church’s  rose window is featured on this 2022 Two Tala coin from Samoa.  The Chi-rho Christogram is to the right. The Samoan arms are on the obverse.   The 39mm, 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coin has a mintage of only 15,000 pieces.  A portion of the proceeds of each coin is donated to charities. 


Note:  Backorders for this coin were mailed December 2.

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SEA LIFE ON SOUTH GEORGIA & SO. SANDWICH ISLANDS 2017 TITANIUM AND COPPER-NICKEL COINS

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands released attractive 2017 dated 2 Pound coins featuring native sea life.  One coin features a male and female Elephant Seal sitting on a beach. The seal gets its name from its great size and the large inflatable proboscis of the adult males, which is used to make extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season.  The coin was struck green titanium and copper nickel.  Another coin features a Blue Whale mother and her calf.  Blue whales are the largest animals ever known to have lived on Earth. These magnificent marine mammals rule the oceans at up to 100 feet long and upwards of 200 tons. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant. Their hearts can be as large as an automobile.   The copper-nickel versions of the coins have a mintage of 10,000 pieces and are 38.6mm in diameter.  The titanium has a mintage of 7,500 pieces, is 36.1mm in diameter, weighs 10 grams, and come in a box with a Certificate of Authenticity.  All the coins portray Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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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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For more Island Coinage, please see:

MAUI TRADE DOLLARS

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