Catalog
1/2 Golde Independence
| Issuer | Sierra Leone |
|---|---|
| Year | 1966 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A large, finely detailed facing lion's head in high relief dominates the central field, with a full flowing mane rendered in bold sculptural detail and the mouth depicted open. The circular legend FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE arcs around the upper periphery, while the date range 1961-1966 is inscribed along the lower portion of the field. A reeded border frames the design. |
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| Mintage | 1966 - - 2,500 |
| Additional information |
Sierra Leone gained independence from Britain on April 27, 1961, but the commemorative gold coinage marking that event was not struck until 1966 — timed instead to coincide with the fifth anniversary and the country's simultaneous transition to a republic. The Golde series was issued in four denominations and represented the new government's first sovereign gold coinage, produced by the Royal Mint on contract.
The .9167 fineness places this coin on the 22-carat standard historically used for British sovereign-type gold, a deliberate continuity with the colonial monetary framework even as the issue proclaimed independence from it.