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Isle of Man (A British Crown Dependency – BCD): New Circulating Coin Series
issued in April 2017:
I had previously posted on
my earlier post titled “The Isle of Man (A British Crown Dependency Coinage:
An Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set received from Pobjoy Mint, UK
issued in 2015,” that the treasury of the Government of the Isle of Man had proposed
to introduce a set of seven coins into general circulation, after the
proposal had been approved by the
Tynwald (Manx: Tinvaal) (or the High
Court of Tynwald (Manx: “Ard-whaiyl
Tinvaal”) or the Tynwald Court) – the Legislature of the Isle of Man. The
new set of coins was proposed to be put into circulation in April 2017.
(For visiting my earlier
post on the Isle of Man as detailed above, please click on the following link: here)
The new coin designs
had proposed substantial changes to both the Obverse and Reverse sides
of the Island’s circulating coins. Included in the seven denominations to be
approved were coins from 5 Pound to 5 Pence values viz: 5 Pounds, 2 Pounds, 1
Pound, 50 Pence, 20 Pence, 10 Pence and 5 Pence. The 5 Pounds coin till now had only been struck on limited
quantities as commemorative coins.
No
designs were proposed for the two smallest denominations – 2 Pence and 1 Penny,
on account of their values having become negligible owing to inflationary
pressure and the high costs of minting these
denominations.
Also, the new 12-sided
1 GBP coin which has recently been introduced in Great British coinage was not
proposed to be introduced in Manx coinage, as counterfeiting of Manx
coinage was minimal and did not necessitate a changeover for this denomination.
The UK has gone in for the
12-sided one pound coin to tide over the problem of counterfeit coinage, as more than 45 million pounds worth of one
pound counterfeit coins have been detected in general circulation.
(The post can be accessed at the
following link: here )
The specifications of the
Manx coins were proposed to remain the same including metal compositions,
size/diameters and weights etc.
The Tynwald was asked
to approve these designs through a proposal put up before it in the third week
of February 2017 itself and the plan was to issue the new coins in April
this year, if approved by the Tynwald.
A
new Mint is designated as the Official Mint for the Isle of Man:
Interestingly, in 2016,
the agreement to mint coins for the Isle of Man which was hitherto awarded
to the Pobjoy Mint, UK was cancelled after a long relationship of 50 years.
This was necessitated on
account of Pobjoy Mint’s competitors protesting that the agreement between Pobjoy Mint and the treasury of the Isle of Man
had been awarded on an ad hoc basis, without going through the prescribed
formalities for the purpose.
The Tower Mint, UK with
offices in London (founded by sculptor Raphael Maklouf in 1976 who had
designed the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II which was carried on British coinage
from 1985 to 1988) won a bidding competition through a tender process
in February 2016 and is now the new official mint for the Isle of Man,
which will commence minting of the new circulation coins from April 2017
onwards as per the terms of the contract. The Tower Mint is widely known for
producing medals for various organisations and companies and has been producing
coins for Gibraltar, Tuvalu, Andorra and Ghana among other assignments.
Under the new agreement
between the Isle of Man Government’s Treasury and the Tower Mint, the latter
will be the Isle of Man’s official mint for a period of 10 years and
will mint, inter alia, Collector sets (including Brilliant Uncirculated Mint
and Proof sets), both in base metal and precious metals on various themes
authorised by the Isle of Man government’s treasury.
Approval
accorded by Tynwald and production/distribution of coins has begun in April
2017 by the Tower Mint, UK:
The Tynwald has accorded
approval on 21.02.2017 to the proposal for introducing the set of new
design circulating coinage in the Isle of Man.
Accordingly, production of the first consignment of
the coins began on 09.03.2017 at the Tower Mint, UK. The new coin sets were officially
released in a ceremony on 10.04.2017.
This
new set of 7 coins brings about a complete redesign of circulating coinage for
the British Island nation since 2004 (i.e. after a period of 13 years).
The release of the new
2017 coins also represents the end of an era for the Isle of Man, a
self-governed nation in the Irish Sea of about 8,000 inhabitants and measuring
about 221 sq.miles in area, that falls under the responsibility of the UK
government as a Crown Dependency.
Common
features on the new set of circulation coins:
- The bold new Reverse
designs are associated with the Isle of Man culture, wildlife and history
and feature scenes evocative of the Island’s Gaelic-influences. For example,
the distinctive and tailless Manx, Cat, a traditional Viking longboat, the
Refuge Castle ruins in Douglas etc.
- On each Reverse, the Triskelion
is placed within a small circle above the main design, while the
denomination, in two lines, is placed in a small circle below. The only
exception is the 5 Pounds coin, where the Triskellion is the central
theme/primary element on the coin.
- Each Reverse is
bordered with a traditional linear or Celtic pattern.
- All circulation coins in
the new Set are being produced in base metal.
- The Obverses of the
coins includes a new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, who as “Lord of Mann”,
has been depicted on all Manx coinage since its initial production in 1971. The
new effigy designed by Jody Clark, product designer and engraver at the Royal
Mint, UK is the fifth portrait now being used extensively on UK coinage – both
commemorative and circulation coins since March 2015.
(For the various portraits
of the Queen over time, please visit my post at the following link: here )
The
new Design Circulation coins (introduced in April 2017):
On the Reverse of the 5 Pounds coin is seen the Isle
of Man’s instantly recognisable emblem/symbol – Triskelion – which is featured on the Isle of Man flag,
which is the primary element on the coin and is a long-standing Celtic symbol
encompassing three legs fanning out from a centre point, within a circle above
the coin’s design.
The term Triskelion is derived
from the Greek word for three legged and was found for the first time on an
Athenian shield used as a competition prize in the ancient Olympics around 500
BC. The Triskelion is known in the Manx language as the “Cassyn”, or “the three legs”. The
symbol has been associated with the Island since around the 13th
Century.
One interpretation of this
symbol is “whichever way you throw me or I fall, I will stand
up”.
The three-legged figure
– whose legs, connected at the centre are depicted in a clock-wise running
position and form the distinctive circular emblem – is centred on the Reverse and surrounded by a
traditional linear Celtic inspired pattern, specific to this coin.
The specifications of this coin are: Metal Composition: Alpaca; Diameter: 32.0 mm; Weight:
11.7 grams. Mintage: 20,000 (initially).
On the Reverse of the bimetallic 2 Pounds coin is seen an image
of the Tower of Refuge, along
with two seagulls in flight.
The Tower of Refuge
is an instantly recognisable feature on Douglas Bay and was built on the
suggestion of William Hillary (1770-1847), the founder of the Royal National
Lifeboat Institution, after several shipwrecks took place upon the semi-submerged
rock on which the Tower was later built. The Tower is situated on a partially
submerged reef within Douglas Bay, also known as St. Mary’s Isle. The Tower of
Refuge derives its name from a poem by William Wordsworth:
“The feudal Keep, the
bastions of Cohorn,
Even when they rose to
check or to repel
Tides of aggressive war,
oft served as well
Greedy ambition, armed to
treat with scorn
Just limits; but yon
Tower, whose smiles adorn
This perilous bay, stands
clear of all offence;
Blest work it is of love
and innocence,
A Tower of refuge built
for the else forlorn,
Spare it, ye waves, and
life the mariner,
Struggling for life, into
its saving arms!
Spare, too, the human
helpers! Do they stir
‘Mid your fence shock like
men afraid to die?
No; their dread service
nerves the heart it warms,
And they are led by noble
Hillary.”
Since the construction of
this distinctive landmark, not a single accident has occurred. A similar design
for the Tower of Refuge was last seen on the Pence denomination issued at
various times since 1971.
The specifications of this coin are: Metal Composition: Bi-metallic; Diameter: 28.4 mm; Weight:
12.0 grams.
On the Reverse of the 1 Pound coin is seen a detailed
depiction of a Peregrine Falcon
and a Raven, perched face to
face.
The activity of
falconry has been a long standing tradition within the British Isles and on
the Isle of Man for more than 1,000 years.
As recently as 1764,
the Dukes of Atholl were granted the feudal tenancy of the Isle of Man for a
rent of two white gyrfalcons, to be paid to successive monarchs upon their
coronation. The Peregrine Falcon and Raven have been included on the royal
crest of the Isle of Man since 1996.
The specifications of this coin are: Metal Composition: Nickel-Brass; Diameter: 22.5 mm; Weight:
9.5 grams.
On the Reverse of the 50 Pence coin is depicted an
animal species unique to the Island: the Manx
Loaghtan, a native breed of
sheep, whose serene face is centred on the coin.
These distinctive sheep
are characterised by their four (occasionally six) horns. The word “Loaghtan” is derived from the Manx words
“lugh dhoan” (meaning “mouse-brown”)
which describes the colour of the sheep’s coat.
The specifications of this coin are: Metal Composition: Cupro-Nickel; Diameter: 27.3 mm; Weight:
8.0 grams.
On the Reverse of the 20 Pence coin is seen a detailed
depiction of a Viking–era longboat,
with a dragon’s head at the bow.
The history of the Isle of
Man is rich in Viking culture and the depiction of a Viking longboat was
previously seen on the 0 Pence denomination at various times from 1971.
The specifications of this coin are: Metal Composition: Cupro-Nickel; Diameter: 21.4 mm; Weight:
5.0 grams.
On the Reverse of the 10 Pence coin, is depicted an
image of one of the Isle of Man’s more famous residents, the Manx cat.
An indigenous breed
found on the Island, its natural lack of a tail is believed to be due to
a spontaneous gene mutation. The Manx cat has become an unofficial and
endearing ambassador of the Isle of Man.
The specifications of this coin are: Metal Composition: Nickel-plated steel; Diameter: 24.5 mm; Weight:
6.50 grams.
On the Reverse of the 5 Pence coin is depicted the Manx
shearwater in flight.
Known for their habitation
along coastal communities, they are a welcome sight to sailors in transit, who
know they are within a short distance from land, when a shearwater is in the
ship’s vicinity.
The specifications of this coin are: Metal Composition: Nickel-plated steel; Diameter: 18.0 mm; Weight:
3.25 grams.
Links:
Bank of England Banknotes:
1) A Ten Pounds Banknote issued on Charles Dickens (Writer) also depicting a cricket match from his novel "The Pickwick Papers"
2) A Ten Pound Banknote issued on Charles Darwin (English Naturalist) also depicting the HMS Beagle, Darwin's magnifying glass, a humming-bird & flora that he may have seen on his voyage.
3) A Five Pounds Banknote issued on George Stephenson (an Engineer) also depicting "Rocket" his Railway Locomotive and Skeene Bridge on theStockton Darlington Railway (1825) - since withdrawn
4) A 20 Pounds Banknote issued on Michael Faraday (a Scientist) issued in 1991, since withdrawn from circulation in 2001
5) Great Britain's first circulating polymer Banknote issued by the Bank of England in the denomination of 5 Pounds on 13.09.2016
Inspirations from Scottish History (Clydesdale Bank Banknotes):
1) The Legend of King Bruce & the Spider on Banknotes
2) Commemorating Sir William Arrol and his creation the Forth Rail Bridge by issues of Britain's first ever 5 Pound Polymer Banknote
Banknotes from Bank of Scotland:
1) The Ryder Cup Commemorative Banknote: A 5 Pounds Banknote issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2014
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
13) Currency of the Falkland Islands: A British Overseas Territory (BOT) Pounds & Pence
14) Falkland Islands Penguins: 50 Pence Coin Series: The first Coin in the Series of four coins: the Rock-hopper Penguin
15) Isle of Man : A British Crown Dependancy : A new set of coins released in April 2017 (minted by the Tower Mint, UK)
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
5) The new 12-sided One Pound UK Coin introduced into circulation on 28.03.2017
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
Postage Stamps:
1) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal Guidepost to Liberty and Freedom
2) "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
3) Celebrating the Centenary of Agatha Christie's first Crime Novel and 40th Anniversary of her passing away by issue of a set of 6 stamps by Royal Mail, UK
4) Queen Elizabeth II's 90th Birthday: A Souvenir Sheet issued by the Royal Mail, UK featuring four generations of Windsors on 21.04.16
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