coins and more: 201) The Isle of Man (A British Crown Dependency) Coinage: An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set received from Pobjoy Mint, UK issued in 2015:

201) The Isle of Man (A British Crown Dependency) Coinage: An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set received from Pobjoy Mint, UK issued in 2015:

For interesting posts on Isle of Man Coinage, please visit the following links:

1) The Isle of Man: An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set issued in 2015

2) The Isle of Man: A British Crown Dependency (BCD) Coinage: A newly introduced Collector;s circulation Currency Coinage Collector's set received from the Tower Mint, London, UK issued in April 2017

Mythological & Historical Background of the Isle of Man:

The Isle of Man or Mann has a population of about 85000-90000, who live on the Island measuring about 227 sq. miles. The Manx name of the Island is “Ellan Vannin” (“Ellan” being a Manx word meaning “Island”, while “Vannin” is a mutation of the word “Mannin” which refers to “Manannan mac Lir” (a figure in Celtic Mythology) or “Manawydan” (in Welsh Mythology).

In Manx mythology, the Island was ruled by “Manannan mac Lir” who was a Celtic Sea-God, who would draw his misty cloak around the Island to protect it from invaders.

There is also an Irish legend which tells how “Lough Neagh” (the Isle of Man”) was formed when Ireland’s legendary giant “Fionn mac Cumhail” ripped up a portion of the land and tossed it at a Scottish rival. The legend has it that he missed and and the chunk of land fell in the Irish Sea, thus creating the Island.

It is a self-governing British Crown Dependency located in the Irish Sea, between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The Head of the State is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of “Lord of Mann”. The Isle is governed by a Lieutenant Governor, but its foreign relations and defence are managed by the British government.

The Island was first inhabited by humans from some 6500 BC or so.

Around 5^th century AD, Gaelic cultural influence permeated the Island together with a profusion of the Manx language, which has its origins in the Gaelic languages.

In 627 AD, Edwin of Nothumbria conquered the Isle of Man along with most of Mercia.

In the 9^th century AD, the Norse people from Scotland began to settle here and later established the Kingdom of the Isles.

From 1099 to 1103 AD, the King’s title also carried the suffix, “and the Isles”. For example, Magnus III, the King of Norway was also known as “King of Mann and the Isles”, as part of the Hebrides civilisation.

By 1266, the Island became part of Scotland, through the Treaty of Perth. A Norse-Gaelic culture was seen in the Island around this time.

In 1399, after a period of alternating rule by the Kings of Scotland and Emgland, the Island came under the feudal lordship of the English Crown.

In 1765, the lordship revested in the British Crown, but the island never became a part of the Kingdom of Great Britain or its successor, the United Kingdom and retained its status as an internally self-governing Crown Dependency.

The Isle of Man – A mix of various cultures:

Tradition runs deep in the life of the Island.

During the Neolithic Period, knowledge of farming, better stone tools and pottery developed and Megalithic Monuments dotted the Island.

During the Bronze Age, large communal tombs of the Megalithic builders were replaced with smaller burial mounds, with stone-lined graves alongwith ornamental containers, which created long-lasting markers around the countryside.

During the Iron Age, the beginning of the Celtic cultural influence pervaded the Island. Large Hill forts appeared on hill summits and smaller promontory forts along the coastal cliffs, while large timber-framed roundhouses were built.

Viking settlement of the Island established Tynwald (the country’s Parliament) and introduced many land divisions which still exist.

Everywhere, there are monuments, buildings and sites that date back through the various periods of Manx history.

Stone circles point to the presence of the mysterious “Henge” people, while the influence of the Celt, Viking, Saxon and Norman eras can be seen everywhere.

Manx graveyards still contain beautifully carved crosses that readily reveal Celtic and Norse artistic influences and have withstood the vagaries of the elements for more than 1000 years.

Historical development of Isle of Man coinage:

From 1025 to 1035, silver pennies patterned on the Hiberno-Norse coins of Ireland, but with blundered inscriptions and a roughly inscribed portrait were struck for the Isle of Man. Around the same time, English, Irish and Scottish coins and tokens circulated in the Island.

Since the 14^th Century, the Isle of Man has had its own coinage.

In 1673, local tokens were made legal tender.

From 1709, distinctive pennies and half-pennies were issued under the authority of the Earls of Derby and later under the authority of the Dukes of Atholl as the Lords of the Isle of Man together with their emblems.

In 1765, the Island was transferred to the British Crown and in 1786, Regal Coinage was issued for the Island, depicting the portrait of George III, shown as wearing a laurel wreath and the emblem of the Isle of Man on the other face.

From 1813 to 1839, no coins were issued and the earlier coins issued for the Isle of Man circulated together with British coinage.

In 1839, copper coins with Queen Victoria’s uncrowned portrait were circulated.

From 1840 to 1971 British coins circulated as currency in the Island.

Meanwhile, in 1965, a Gold coin Series was issued to commemorate the bicentenary of the Revestment Act. Also, in 1970, a crown was issued whih featured the tailless Manx Cat.

Present Day:

Since 1972, the Island has issued a full range of coins for general circulation.

The Isle of Man has led the way in pioneering the World’s first circulating decimalised pound coin (1979) i.e., five years before the pound was introduced in the United Kingdom , 2 and 5 pound coins (1981) in virenium, a special base-metal alloy and most recently, the World’s first Bi-metallic gold and titanium coin (2000). The Island’s coinage has received praise several times for its inventive and original designs.

Pobjoy Mint in Surrey, England, mints the coins on behalf of the Isle of Man. Pobjoy Mint is Europe’s oldest and largest private Mint and has been striking coins for the Isle of Man since 1972, after the Manx pound adopted the Decimal system in 1971.

Due to similar appearances and value of pound sterling coins, Manx coinsoften appear in circulation within the United Kingdom. However, they are not legal tender in the UK. On the other hand, the Isle of Man recognises Pound sterling coins for circulation within the Island.

The Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set received from Pobjoy Mint, UK issued in 2015:

The Isle of Man has passed through different hands over the years and the influence of its various rulers and inhabitants has been literally preserved in stone.

A large variety of historic buildings stand witness to the various stages in the Island’s social development.

The earliest attempts construction can be seen in the many fine stone circles and monuments found throughout the Island.

The themes of the Reverse designs capture much of the charm and character of the Isle of Man.

The front of the jacket containing the Uncirculated Isle of Man Decimal Coin Collection set.

The back of the above jacket.

The Reverse designs of the entire coin set as the coins appear on the coin album.

The Reverse of the One Pence Coin depicts the Santon War Memorial.

The Santon War Memorial: It was the first War Memorial to be built using public subscription in 1920 in the memory of six men of the parish of Santon who lost their lives in the Great War/First World War – 1914-1918. The memorial was built by their fellow parishioners. The Memorial is in rectangular form and diminishes towards the top and is surmounted by a Celtic Cross. It is made of red sandstone.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Copper-plated Steel; Weight: 3.56 gms; Diameter: 20.32 mm.

The Reverse of the Two Pence Coin depicts the Albert Tower.

The Albert Tower: This Tower, in the town of Ramsey was built to commemorate the visit of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in 1847. Ramsey is the second largest town on the Island after Douglas and has one of the biggest harbours on the Island. Ramsey has been a route for several invasions by Vikings and Scots.

Albert was rowed ashore at Ballure where he made his way up the glen, then into Lhergy Frissell where he climbed to the top of the hill. There he viewed the surrounding town of Ramsay and the northern Plain.

The hill was renamed Albert Mount and a year later in 1848, the foundation of the tower was laid. The Tower is made of granite and rises 45 feet high. It stands as a landmark in Ramsey.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Copper-plated Steel; Weight: 7.12 gms; Diameter: 25.90 mm.

The Reverse of the Five Pence Coin depicts the Tower of Refuge.

The Tower of Refuge: St. Mary’s Isle or Conister Rock or the Tower of Refuge is a partially submerged reef within Douglas Bay on the Isle of Man.

The rugged Manx coast-line which has weathered countless storms and seen many a ship founder along its shores prompted a life-boat service manned by trained crew, to be started by William Hillary, which later developed into the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1824.

On one occasion, Hillary was washed overboard when his team was attempting a sea-rescue. Realising that the coast was too far to swim to and a place was needed for sailors to climb upon while waiting for their rescue, the Tower of Refuge was conceived and completed by 1832. The designer of the Tower was John Welch.

The Tower is situated upon Consiter Rock in Douglas Bay and is a haven in the form of a small castle which was kept well-stocked with fresh water and bread and offered several amenities to ship-wrecked sea-farers, as well as, shelter from the weather and the Sea.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel; Weight: 3.25 gms; Diameter: 18.00 mm.

The Reverse of the Ten Pence Coin depicts the Chicken Rock Lighthouse.

Chicken Rock Lighthouse

The Chicken Rock Lighthouse: It was built between 1869 to 1874 based on a design by David and Thomas Stevenson. This Lighthouse is built on a submerged reef. The granite for the tower was shipped from Scotland and cut in a mason’s yard in Port St. Mary. The Tower was built during four summer seasons using the winter months to cut the stone. The 44 metres lighthouse has a range of 13 miles and after one of the keepers was injured in a fire in 1960, the light was automated in the following year in 1961.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel; Weight: 6.50 gms; Diameter: 24.50 mm.

The Reverse of the Twenty Pence Coin depicts the Castle Rushen Clock.

Castle Rushen

Castle Rushen Clock: Castle Rushen is the best example in the British Isles of a medieval castle and is still used as a court-house, museum and educational centre. It was built around 1200 AD, and it served as the residence of the last Norse King of Man, who died in 1266. It is located in the Isle of Man’s historic capital – Castletown, in the south of the Island.

Part of the Castle was destroyed in a siege by Robert the Bruce in 1313, but was rebuilt by William de Montacute around 1344.

In the clock room which was formerly used as the castle chapel, lies a clock presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, while she held the Island in trust pending a dispute. The clock is of simple construction with only one hand, but still keeps very good time.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel; Weight: 5.00 gms; Diameter: 21.40 mm.

The Reverse of the Fifty Pence Coin depicts Milner’s Tower.

View of Port Erin

Milner’s Tower on Bradda Head

Milner’s Tower: It was built in 1871 by the residents of Port Erin in honour of William Milner, a Liverpool safe-maker, of the then famous Milner’s safe Co. Ltd., makers of fire-resistant safes.

The Tower was built in the shape of a lock and key in honour of Milner who was a great benefactor of the town. The Tower was meant to be built in secret as a surprise, but once Milner found out, he donated much of the building cost.

Bradda Head is a rugged headland in the Isle of Man rising to a height of about 382 feet, which shelters Port Erin from the north. There is a cliff-top walk, the Coronation Footpath, up to the head and around the head via Milner’s Tower.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel; Weight: 8.00 gms; Diameter: 27.30 mm.

The Reverse of the One Pound Coin depicts Tynwald Hill, opposite St. John’s Chapel.

Tynwald Hill

Tynwald Hill, Opp. St. John’s Chapel: The greatest man-made construction in the Isle of Man is also one of the oldest and simplest is situated in St. John, a small village on the Douglas to Peel road in the Central valley of the Isle of Man.

The four-tiered mound of earth known as Tynwald Hill, opposite St. John’s Chapel, originally started off as a burial mound but was adopted by the Vikings over a thousand years ago for the business of open-air law making and other matters of government. As such, Tynwald Hill was the original assembly place for the Isle of Man Parliament, Tynwald.

Its location, linked by a processional pathway to a place of worship and court house (within the chapel) and surrounded by a green, follows the Norse tradition for the site of a Government Assembly.

Tynwald Day is the National Day of the Isle of Man, observed on 5^th July or of it is a Sunday on the following Monday. On this day, the Island’s legislature, Tynwald meets at St. John’s, instead of its usual meeting place in Douglas. The session is held partly in the Royal Chapel of St. John and partly in the open air on the adjacent Tynwald Hill ever since 1417. This session is known as the “Midsummer Court”.

In this annual ceremony the laws of the Isle of Man are proclaimed in English and Manx.

Tynwald Day attracts thousands of spectators to watch the ceremony and participate in the Tynwald Fair.

House of Keys

Interestingly, the Island’s Parliament, Tynwald, has been in continuous existence since 979 AD or so, making it the oldest continuously Governing body in the World. Tynwald is a bicameral or tricameral legislature, comprising the House of Keys and the Legislative Council, which meet together in joint sessions as Tynwald. The Executive Branch of Government is the Council of Ministers, which is composed of members of Tynwald, headed by a Chief Minister. The vice regal functions are performed by the Lt. Governor.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Nickel-Brass; Weight: 9.50 gms; Diameter: 22.50 mm.

The Reverse of the Two Pound Coin depicts the Round Tower, Peel Castle.

Peel Castle, Celtic Monastery & later day Chapel with the Round Tower

Peel Sunset

Round Tower, Peel Castle: This is one of the Isle of Man’s principle historic monuments and occupies the important site of St. Patrick’s Isle at Peel.

The Peel Castle was built in the 11^th century by the Vikings under the rule of King Magnus Barefoot. While there were older stone Celtic buildings on the Island, the first Viking fortifications were built of wood. In the early 14^th century, the majority of the walls and towers were built from local red sandstone which is found abundantly in the area.

The Castle’s Curtain Wall encircles the ruins of many buildings which are a testimony to the site’s religious and secular importance in Manx history. Among these monuments is the Round Tower which dates back to the 11^th Century. The prominent Round tower was originally part of a Celtic monastery, but had battlements added at a later date.

Peel Castle is also a possible location of the Arthurian legend of Avalon or as the location of the Grail Castle which is also the site of Sir Lancelot’s encounter with the sword bridge of King Melegaunt.

The specifications of this coin are:

Metal Composition: Bimetallic: Inner: Cupro-Nickel; Outer Ring: Nickel-Brass; Weight: 12.00 gms; Diameter: 28.40 mm.

The Reverse of the Five Pound Coin depicts the Laxey Wheel.

Laxey Wheel: This is the largest surviving water wheel in the World.

This feat of engineering, (with a circumference of 228 ft., a diameter of 72 feet, 6 inches and is 6 feet wide, with a speed of 3 revolutions per minute) was designed by a Manx engineer Robert Casement and was first powered up in 1854 to pump water from the neighbouring mine. The Wheel is capable of delivering 250 gallons of water a minute. The Wheel is water-powered as the Isle of Man does not have a supply of coal but has an abundance of water.

It was christened Lady Isabella in honour of the wife of the Island’s Governor, Charles Hope.

The Wheel was used to pump water from the Glen Mooar part of the “Great Laxey Mines” industrial complex. Presently, the Wheel still operates, but does not pump water and is one of the Island’s main tourist attractions.

The Wheel also features on the Back of the 20 Pound Banknote issued by the Isle of Man.

The Obverse faces of the above coins depicts Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait designed by Ian-Rank Broadly. These are the last few issues with this portrait, as later issues in 2015 are now being minted with a new design by Jody Clark. Notice that the triskelion of the Emblem is placed at three places on each one of these coins symbolic of the original meaning of the motto of the Isle of Man “however it is tested, it will pass” (as a standard coin).

The Manx Pound Banknotes:

In 1865, the Isle of Man Banking Company was founded which issued 1 Pound Banknotes.

In 1894, 5 Pound Banknotes were issued by the Company.

In 1926, the name of the Isle of Man Banking Company was changed to Isle of Man Bank.

On 31.07.1961, The Isle of Man Government Notes Act made revoked the licences of all other Commercial Banks, including Barclays Bank, Lloyds Bank, Manx Bank, Merchantile Bank of Lancashire, Lancashire & Yorkshire Bank, Martins Bank, Parr’s Bank, London Country Westminster Bank and Parr’s Bank and Westminster Bank and the Isle of Man Government became the sole authority to issue Banknotes.

On 03.07.1961, the Government under this authority issued 10 shillings and 1 and 3 Pound Banknotes.

In 1969, the 10 shillings Banknote was replaced by a 50 Pence Banknote as a precursor to decimalisation, which was subsequently withdrawn in 1989.

In 1979, a 20 Pound Banknote denomination was introduced.

In 1983, a polymer 1 Pound Banknote was issued but discontinued from 1988 onwards.

Also, in 1983, a 50 Pound Banknote was circulated.

Presently, the Isle of Man Government issues Banknotes in the denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Pounds.

On the Front, all Manx Banknote denominations depict images of the Triskelion (three legged emblem of the Isle of Man) in centre and Lord of Mann Queen Elizabeth II (not wearing a crown).

Each denomination features a different scene of the Island on the Back – 1 Pound (Tyndwald Hill), 5 Pounds (Castle Rushen), 10 Pounds (Peel Castle), 20 Pounds (the Laxey Wheel) and 50 Pounds (Douglas Bay).

The Front of the One Pound Banknote shows the Triskelion symbol and Queen Elizabeth II, not wearing a crown.

The Back of the One Pound Banknote shows Tyndwald Hill.

The Coat of Arms or Emblem of the Isle of Man:

Origins:

The origins of the Three Legs represented on the Emblem of the Isle of Man, as an ancient Sun symbol, run deeper than its position relative to Britain and Ireland.

Nature has afforded the Isle a certain degree of isolation which has permitted it to evolve in its own way.

For centuries, the Island’s symbol has been the “three legs of Mann” (Manx: “Tree Cassyn Vannin”), a Triskelion of three legs conjoined at the thigh.

The Manx Triskelion, which dates to around the late 13^th century is of uncertain origin.

One tradition places its origin to Sicily which has been associated with Triskelions since ancient times.

The present Coat of Arms: It was adopted on 12.07.1996. As the Isle of Man is a British Crown Dependency, the arms are described as “The arms of Her Majesty in Right of the Isle of Man”.

Crest: An Imperial Crown proper.

Escutcheon is emblazoned. Gules (red) a triskele argent (silver) garnished and spurred Or.

Supporters: Dexter a Perigrine Falcon and sinister a Raven, both proper.

The Manx motto “Quocunque jeceris stabit” (meaning “Whichever way you throw it/me, it/I shall stand”) reflects this independence of spirit.

The motto dates back to the late 17^th century when it is known to have appeared on the country’s coinage.

Interestingly, the original meaning of the motto relates to the poor quality of coinage which was common at that time, meaning “however it is tested, it will pass” (as a standard coin).

The symbol appears in the Island’s official flag and the official Coat of Arms as well as its currency & coinage.
National Flower:

The ragwort or cushag is the Manx National flower.

Manx animals:

Two domestic animals are specifically connected to the Isle of Man – the Manx Cat and the Manx Loaghtan sheep.

The Manx Cat is a breed of cat noted for having a genetic mutation that causes it to have a shortened tail. The length of the tail can range from a few inches, known as stumpy” to being completely non-existent or “rumpy”.

The Manx Cats come in a range of colours and usually have somewhat longer hind legs compared to most other cats.

The cats are used as a symbol of the Isle of Man on coins and stamps.

The Manx Loaghtan sheep is a breed which is native to the Island. It has dark brown wool and four, sometimes six horns. The meat is considered to be a delicacy.

Commemorative Coins:

The Isle of Man has since been one of the most prolific issuers of Commemorative and Special issues, often as long thematic sets. Special Manx Commemorative issues are also extremely popular with Numismatists.

Presently, the Manx Treasury issues precious metal bullion coins, including the “Gold Angel”, which is the best selling Cat coin and the first Platinum bullion coin, the “Noble”, which are internationally recognised and traded in the markets.

The above image is that of a gold-on-silver bimetallic coin which reproduces an entire Series of Cat Crowns issued over the previous ten years.

One of the most popular coins of recent times was a Crown minted by the Isle of Man in 1987, to commemorate the Bicentenary of the American Constitution. The Reverse shows the Statue of Liberty surrounded by portraits of 11 US Statesmen starting from George Washington & ending with Ronald Reagan.

The Obverse face of the coin shows a crowned portrait of Elizabeth II.

Posted on 09.01.2016:

The Government and Treasury of the Isle of Man has released the latest “Cat Crown” in their popular and long-running series depicting cat breeds worldwide.

An image of the Havana Brown Cat

The newest in the Series is the “Havana Brown” breed, a Siamese shaped short-haired cat. The phrase “chocolate delights” is often used to describe Havana Browns, which are named after the resemblance the colour of their coats bears to that of Havana cigars. These charming chocolate brown cats have mesmerizing green eyes and are alert, intelligent, and occasionally exhibit a mischievous personality.

A breed for the true cat connoisseur, the Havana Brown is an extremely rare breed with less than 1000 known individuals around the World. They are usually of medium size and structure, firm and muscular, exhibiting a sense of power, elegance and gracefulness. The two most distinctive features of the breed are its colour and head shape. Its distinctive muzzle, coat colour, large forward tilted ears and green eyes set it apart from other breeds.

The Havana Brown breed is often described as being naturally inquisitive and they often reach out with a paw to investigate, touch and feel curiosities in their environment. They are mostly outgoing, playful and talkative in a charming and attentive way.

The coins have been struck by Pobjoy Mint, UK on behalf of the Treasury of the Isle of Man, depicting a Havana Brown cat with two kittens, highlighting their peculiar fur. The Obverse of each coin has a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the Year of issue “2016”.

The specifications of the coins are:

Base Metal coins:

Denomination: One Crown; Metal: Cupro-nickel; Weight: 28.00 gms; Diameter: 38.60 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Mintage: Unlimited.

Silver coins:

Denomination: One Crown; Metal: .999 silver; Weight: 31.10 gms; Diameter: 38.60 mm; Coin Quality: Proof (P); Mintage: 10,000 pieces.

Posted on 21.02.2017:

The Treasury of the Government of the Isle of Man has plans to introduce seven new circulation coins during 2017.

The proposed changes in the designs of the seven new circulation Manx coins

Substantial changes have been proposed to be carried out both the Obverses and Reverses of these coins. While no design changes are proposed as of now in the two smallest denominations i.e. one and two penny coins, the rest of the coins of 5, 10, 20, 50 Pence and 1, 2 and 5 (new) Pounds are likely to undergo the proposed changes once the Isle of Man Parliament, the “Tynwald” considers and approves the changes later in February 2017.

Interestingly, the specifications of the Manx coins such as metal compositions, diameters, weights etc are proposed to remain the same. Also, the new 12-sided 1 GBP coin which is being introduced in Great British coinage will not be introduced in Manx coinage, as the counterfeiting of Manx coins is not much, necessitating a changeover for this denomination.

If these new coin designs meet with the Tynwald’s approval, they are likely to be introduced into general circulation in April 2017. If approved, Manx coins will be minted by the Tower Mint, with offices in London, after the agreement between the Isle of Man treasury and the Pobjoy Mint, London has been terminated after more than 40 years.

( This Coin set (issued in 2015) has come to my Collection through the resources of Jayant Biswas. This post has been researched & written and coins scanned by Rajeev Prasad)

Links:

British Crown Dependencies:

1) Specimen Banknotes from the States of Jersey

2) Coinage and Currency from the States of Jersey

3) Currency & Coinage of the Bailiwick of Guernsey

4) Currency & Coinage of Gibraltar : An Overseas Territory of Great Britain

5) Coinage of Gibraltar: (A British Overseas Territory): An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by the Tower Mint, UK in 2010

6) The Isle of Man: An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set minted by Pobjoy Mint, UK in 2015

7) The Centenary of the ill-fated Titanic (15.04.1912 - 15.04.2012): An Alderney Five Pound Coin Commemorating the Maritime Legend

8) "Man of Steel": A Superman Movie: A set of stamps brought out in 2013 by Jersey post, the States of Jersey, commemorating Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill who played Superman in the Movie

9) Coins & Currency of Bermuda

10) The Bailiwick of Jersey - Presently circulating coinage - Pounds and Pence

11) St. Helena & Ascension Islands: An Uncirculated Coin Set from 2003

12) The Legend of the "HMAV Bounty" is interwoven with the heritage of the Pitcairn Islands: An uncirculated coin set from Pitcairn Islands in 2009 depicting the icons/relics of the Bounty minted by the New Zealand Mint

Famous Battles:

1) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to St. Helena: (Part I): A One Crown Commemorative coin issued by the Ascension Island (minted by Pobjoy Mint UK)

2) Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon's Exile to st. Helena: (Part II) 1) A 5 GBP Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK. 2) A"Drie Landen Zilverset" ( ot the "Three Lands Silver set") containing coins issued by the Royal Dutch Mint including coins of Netherlands, Belgium and UK

3) Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain by issuing a 50 Pence coin by the Royal Mint UK

Gold Coins:

1) Gold Sovereigns issued in 2013 & 2014 by MMTC-PAMP in India under licence from the Royal Mint, UK, carrying the "I" Mint Mark

2) Gold Half-Sovereigns minted by MMTC-PAMP in India in 2014 under licence from the Royal Mint UK bearing the "I" Mint Mark

Silver Coins:

1) A 20 Pound Silver coin minted for the first timr by the royal Mint UK: reverse design carries the famous St. George slaying the dragon design found on Gold Sovereigns

British India Coinage:

1) East India Company Quarter Anna Copper Coin which is one of the first issues under the Coinage Act 1835

2) Victoria Coinage: When she was Queen and afterwards Empress

3) Edward VII: King & Emperor Coinage

4) George V King Emperor Coinage

5) George VI: The last of the British India Emperors Coinage

Other British Royalty:

1) Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations (1952-2012): A Five Pound Commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK

2) Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953: A Five Pound Coin minted by the Royal Mint UK in 2013, depicting the Imperial State Crown

3) The Royal Coat of Arms of the UK: Great British 2012 Coin Set (Uncirculated) issued by the Royal Mint UK

4) Prince George's Christening Ceremony celebrated with coins issued by the Royal Mint UK in 2013

5) The British Empire: A Case of Numismatic "segregation": (Guest Post by Rahul Kumar)

6) 1) The Portrait Collection: Various Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II on Coinage 2) The Fourth & Final Circulating coinage of the Portrait designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and the First Edition of the portrait of the Queen made by Jody Clark

British Coinage:

1) The contribution of the Great British One-Pound coins in keeping alive the historical legends/emblems/heritage of the UK (1983 onwards)

2) Transformation of a Five shilling Coin (Crown) into the UK Twenty-five Pence & then the Five Pound Coin

3) Transformation of the Two Shilling Coin (Florin) Coin into the UK Ten Pence

4) The 350th Anniversary of the Guinea: A Two Pound Coin issued by the Royal Mint UK celebrating the milestone

Commemorative British Coinage:

1) Commemorating the Bicentenary of Charles Dickens: A Two pound coin celebrating his literary contributions during the Victorian Era

2) Commemorating 50 Years of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - presently called the World Wide Fund for Nature by issue of a Fifty Pence coin by the Royal Mint, UK

3) Coins commemorating London Olympics & Paralympics (2012)

4) Commemorating 150 Years of the London Underground : Two pound Coins minted by the Royal Mint UK, showing the "Roundel" logo and a train emerging from a tunnel

5) Commemorating the 100th Birth anniversary of Christopher Ironside with his" Royal Arms" design on a 50 Pence coin issued by the Royal Mint, UK

6) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal Guidepost to Liberty and Freedom

Inspirations from Scottish History:

1) The Legend of King Bruce & the Spider on Banknotes

Banknotes from Scotland:

1) Commemorating Sir William Arrol and his creation the Forth Rail Bridge by issues of Britain's first ever 5 Pound Polymer Banknote