Catalog
| Issuer | Eastern Caribbean States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1955-1965 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cent (0.01 BWI$) |
| Currency | British West Indies dollar (1935-1965) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 5.67 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | 1.51 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Cecil Thomas Reverse: Thomas Humphrey Paget |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#2 |
| Obverse description | Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND CT |
| Reverse description | Value flanked by palm tree fronds |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES 1 CENT 1965 ·EASTERN GROUP· |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1955 - - 8 000 000 1955 - Proof - 2 000 1957 - - 3 000 000 1957 - Proof - 1958 - - 1 500 000 1958 - Proof - 20 1959 - - 500 000 1959 - Proof - 1960 - - 2 500 000 1960 - Proof - 1961 - - 2 280 000 1961 - Proof - 1962 - - 2 000 000 1962 - Proof - 1963 - - 750 000 1963 - Proof - 1964 - - 2 500 000 1964 - Proof - 1965 - - 4 800 000 1965 - Proof - 1965 - Prooflike - |
| Numisquare ID | 4967807700 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Cent coin, issued by the Eastern Caribbean States from 1955 to 1965, features Queen Elizabeth II's first portrait. It signifies a pivotal post-war era and the evolving relationship between the United Kingdom and its Caribbean territories. Concurrent with the West Indies Federation (1958-1962), its issuance by the Eastern Caribbean Currency Board highlights a move towards regional currency unification, while maintaining the British monarch's symbolic presence.
Artistry: The obverse showcases Mary Gillick's iconic uncrowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. This "first portrait" presents the youthful monarch facing right, rendered in a post-war realist style, encircled by "QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND". The reverse design typically features the denomination "1 CENT" centrally, surrounded by the issuing authority, "EASTERN CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES" or "EASTERN CARIBBEAN CURRENCY BOARD", within a clear, functional layout.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this 1 Cent coin weighs 5.67 grams and measures 26 millimeters. For grading, critical high-points on the obverse Gillick portrait include the hair above the ear and along the forehead, and the cheekbone. On the reverse, the central numeral "1" and surrounding lettering are key areas for strike quality and wear assessment. Bronze coins from this tropical region frequently display environmental toning or spotting, impacting aesthetic appeal and perceived grade.