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Friday 13 April 2018

698) The Isle of Man (A British Crown Dependency) Coinage: A newly introduced Currency Coin Collection set received from the Tower Mint, London issued in April 2017:

698) The Isle of Man (A British Crown Dependency) Coinage: A  newly introduced Currency Coin Collection set received from the Tower Mint, London issued in April 2017:

For my comprehensive post on the Uncirculated Decimal Coin Collection Set received from the Pobjoy Mint, UK, issued in 2015, please visit the following link:


The Isle of Man Island:

The Isle of Man is in the middle of the Irish Sea at the centre of the British Isles. It is 33 miles (53 kilometres) long and 13 miles (22 kilometres) wide at its broadest points with a total land area of 227 sq.miles (572 Sq. kilometres). The resident population is around 85,000.

The town of Douglas (with a population of about 28,000 residents) on the East Coast is the capital of the Isle of Man.

People and things native to the Isle of Man are described by the adjective - "Manx".

The Isle of Man is not and has never been a part of the United Kingdom, nor is it a part of the European Union.

History:

The unique heritage of the Isle of Man is a blend of Celtic and Viking influences. Norse Viking settlers established the Tynwald - the Manx Parliament - and the Manx  Gaelic language can still be heard. Manx is a Celtic language related to Irish, Scots, Welsh, Cornish and Bretons.

The Island was ruled by Norse, Scots and English Kings in the Middle Ages and by independent Lords of Mann from 1406 until 1765, when it was acquired by the British Crown. Tynwald has endured throughout these changes and for more than ten centuries has represented the independent identity of the Manx people.

Some other distinctive features of the Island include its National Emblem - "The Three Legs of Man" - (derived from an ancient Sun symbol), the tailless Manx cat and the names of the people and places, echoing the Norse/Gaelic past.

The Island is a self-governing British Crown Dependency (like Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands) with its own Parliament, government and laws. The UK government on behalf of the Crown, is ultimately responsible for the Island's international relations. The Queen who is the "Lord of Mann", is the Manx Head of state and is represented on the Island by the Lieutenant Governor.

The Island has a special and limited relationship with the EU, under an agreement ("Protocol") negotiated when the UK joined Europe in 1971, allowing for free trade in agricultural and manufactured products between the Isle of Man and EU members. Apart from matters relating to this agreement, including Customs, the Island is not bound by EU laws and it pays nothing to and receives nothing from EU funds.

The Isle of Man has achieved a remarkable three decades of continuous economic growth, led by the international financial services industry. Business is attracted by a high standard of service and specialist professional expertise, supportive government, world-class reforms infrastructure, competitive tax regime etc. leading to an excellent quality of life for resident families/individuals.

The Manx Parliament - Tynwald - was founded more than 1,000 years ago and is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. It has two chambers - the House of Keys and the Legislative Council.

The Mint:

In April 2017, the Isle of Man adopted a new set of circulating coins.

This Manx coin set has been minted by the Tower Mint, with offices in London, UK, after the agreement betweel the Isle of Man Treasury and the Pobjoy Mint, London was terminated after an association of more than 40 years and the Tower Mint was appointed in its place to issue Manx coins.

The Coin Set issued in April 2017:


The newly introduced currency coins are in circulations from 01.04.2017 in the Isle of Man. This is an image of the Reverse of the  Uncirculated Currency Coin Collection issued as a Collector's album. The coins are placed against a backdrop of important Manx landmarks.

The denominations include - 2 and 1 Pound coins, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Pence coins


The Obverses of all the six coins shown above feature an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The peripheral inscription on all the Obverse faces is - "QUEEN ELIZABETH II. ISLE OF MAN. 2017"


The Front Cover of the Isle of Man Currency Coin Collection.

The Cover shows the Isle of Man Emblem and is titled 'Isle of Man Government - "Reiltys Ellan Vannin". 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, who was a Celtic Sea-God and ruled the Island and who would draw his misty cloak around the Island to protect it from invaders - or "Manawydan" - in Welsh Mythology. Interestingly, "Ellan Vannin" is also a poem, often referred to as the alternate "Manx National Anthem". 

The cut-out shows the Obverse of the Five Pounds coin with the Queen's effigy facing right and having the peripheral inscription - QUEEN ELIZABETH II. ISLE OF MAN. 2017".

The cover also shows a beautiful scene of a blue sky merging with a calm blue sea and an image of the Round Tower, Peel Castle, which is one of the Isle of Man principle historic monuments and occupies the important site of St. Patrick's Isle at Peel.

The Cover is titled " OFFICIAL LEGAL TENDER, ISLE OF MAN, CURRENCY COIN COLLECTION".



The individual coins on a stand-alone basis:


The Obverse of the 5 Pounds coin shows an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, with the peripheral inscriptions being - "ELIZABETH II. ISLE OF MAN. 2017".


The  Reverse of the Five Pounds coin shows a Triskelion, the National Emblem of the Isle of Man

The Reverse of the 5 Pounds coin shows a Triskele symbol, used as an overarching symbol on the highest denomination. The Triskelion is the most well-known symbol in the Isle of Man, having been included in both the Coat of Arms and the Flag of the Isle of Man.

The origins of the Three Legs represented on the Emblem of the Isle of Man, is an ancient Sum symbol and has been the Island's symbol for centuries. The "Three legs of Man" (Manx: "Tree Cassyn Vannin"), is a "Triskelion of three legs" conjoined at the thigh. The Manx Triskelion dates back to around the late 13th century and is of uncertain origin. One tradition places its origin to Sicily, which has been associated with Trislelions since ancient times.

Interestingly, "Triskelion" is a Greek word for "three legs" and was also found on an Athenian shield used as a competition prize in 500 BC.


The present Coat of Arms 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 Perigerine 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 the Island's independence of spirit.

The motto dates back to the late 17th 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 specifications of this coin are:
Diameter: 32.0 mm; Weight: 11.7 grams; Metal Composition: Alpaca; Rim Finish: Milled Edge.

The Reverse of the 2 Pounds Coin shows the Tower of Refuge 

On the upper periphery is seen the Triskellion from the Coat of Arms of the Island. On the lower periphery is mentioned the denomination of the coin "2 Pounds".

The Tower of Refuge: St. Mary's Isle or Conister Rock 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 1924.

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

The Tower is situated on Conister 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 amenities to ship-wrecked sea-farers, as well as, shelter from the weather and he Sea.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 32.0 mm; Weight: 11.7 grams; Metal Composition: Alpaca; Rim Finish: Milled Edge.


The Reverse of the 1 Pound Coin shows the supporters of the Coat of Arms of the Isle of Man - the Peregrine Falcon and the Crow.

On the upper periphery is seen the Triskellion Coat of Arms of the Island. The denomination of the coin "1 POUND" appears on the lower periphery.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 22.5 mm; Weight: 9.50 grams; Metal Composition: Nickel-Brass; Rim Finish: Milled Edge.


The Reverse of the 50 Pence Coin shows  a Manx Loaghtan sheep

On the upper periphery is seen the Triskellion from the Coat of Arms of the Island. On the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin "50 PENCE".

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.

The Manx Cat (10 Pence Coin shown below) and the Manx Loaghtan sheep are two domestic animals specifically connected to the Isle of Man.

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 27.3 mm; Weight: 8.0 grams; Metal Composition: Cupro-Nickel; Rim Finish: Plain Edge.


The Reverse of the 20 Pence Coin shows a Viking Longship

On the upper periphery is seen the Triskellion from the Coat of Arms of the Island. On the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin "20 PENCE".

The 20 Pence coin depicts a typical sailing Viking Longship. The Isle of Man has a significant Viking heritage. The key symbols are Odin's Raven and Viking Longships.

Viking Age & Norse Kingdom: The Isle on Man has a significant Viking heritage, interwoven with strong Celtic influences.

Between 800 AD and 815 AD, the Vikings came to the Isle of Man chiefly to plunder. From about 850 AD to 990 AD they came as settlers. Between 1025 AD and 1065 AD, there was a mint producing coins.

One can still see Viking castles, homesteads and monuments along with archaeological sites which are still part of the Manx landscape today - Peel Castle (originally built as a place of worship before becoming the fort of Magnus Barefoot, 11th century Viking King of Man), House of Manannan, Castle Rushen (originally built for a Norse King in 1190, it is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world), Carved Stone Cross Collection (Norse sculptors decorated their crosses with both icons and images from their own mythology as well as Christian images), Balladoole (this is the site of a Viking boat burial from 900 AD. On this hilltop can be seen Bronze Age burials, Iron age earthworks etc), The Braaid (the remains of an Iron Age round house and 2 Norse Long houses can be seen here).

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 21.4 mm; Weight: 5.00 grams; Metal Composition: Cupro-Nickel; Rim Finish: Plain Edge.

            The Reverse of the 10 Pence Coin shows the Manx Cat

On the upper periphery is seen the Triskellion from the Coat of Arms of the Island. On the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin "10 PENCE".

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 and a rounded head, compared to most other cats.

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

The specifications of this coin are:

Diameter: 24.5 mm; Weight: 6.50 mm; Metal Composition: Nickel Plated Steel (NIPS); Rim Finish: Milled Edge.


The Reverse of the 5 Pence coin shows a Manx sheerwater

On the upper periphery is seen the Triskellion from the Coat of Arms of the Island. On the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin "5 Pence".

Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus): is a medium-sized bird in the seabird family.  It was also called the "manks puffins" in the 17th century.

                     The Back of the 2017 Collector's coin album







(This coin set - issued in 2017 - has come to my Collection through the resources of Jayant Biswas. This post has been researched & written & coins scanned by Rajeev Prasad)









Links to some other interesting posts:

Central Bank of Ireland issues:

1) Jonathan Swift: 350 th Birth Anniversary 15 Euro Silver Proof coin features his most famous work "Gulliver's Travels" : Coin issued on 30.11.2017


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 the Stockton 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 on Winston Churchill issued by the Bank of England in the denomination of 5 Pounds on 13.09.2016


6) Jane Austen: features on the second circulating Polymer Banknote of 10 Pounds denomination to be released on 14.09.2017

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) Falkland Islands Penguins: 50 Pence Coin Series: The Gentoo Penguin:Second Coin in the series of four coins issued on 20.06.2017 


16) Falkland Islands Penguins: 50 Pence Coin Series: The Third Coin in the Series of four coins: the King Penguin

17) The Siren: British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT): A silver Double crown (Four Pounds) : First coin in the series titled "Mythical Creatures) issued by the Pobjoy Mint UK on 03.04.2018



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 




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