1 Crown - Elizabeth II Winter Olympics Salt Lake City - skier

Historical Context: This 2002 Isle of Man One Crown coin commemorates the XIX Winter Olympic Games held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Issued during the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it reflects a period where British Crown Dependencies frequently issued their own distinctive coinage, often celebrating international events. The Salt Lake City Games were significant, being the first Winter Olympics hosted by the United States since 1980, drawing global attention to winter sports and international camaraderie in the post-9/11 era.

Artistry: The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, a widely recognized portrait used across Commonwealth coinage. The reverse design, depicting a dynamic skier in action, embodies the speed and grace of winter sports. While the specific reverse engraver is often uncredited for such issues, the stylistic school is modern commemorative, emphasizing realism and movement. The composition effectively captures the essence of downhill skiing against a subtle mountainous backdrop, symbolizing the Olympic spirit.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel with a diameter of 38.61 mm and a weight of 28.28 grams, this coin exhibits characteristics typical of commemorative crown-sized issues. For grading purposes, high points on the obverse include the Queen's hair, ear, and the highest points of the crown. On the reverse, attention should be paid to the skier's helmet, shoulders, ski tips, and poles, as these areas are most prone to show wear first. A strong strike will reveal crisp detail in the snow texture and the Olympic rings.