10 Bututs

Historical Context: The 1971 10 Bututs coin signifies a pivotal moment in Gambian monetary history, following the nation's republican status in 1970 under President Dawda Jawara. This issue marked the introduction of the new decimal currency, the Dalasi and Butut, replacing the Gambian pound. Featuring Arnold Machin's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, it reflects The Gambia's continued Commonwealth membership while asserting its economic sovereignty and establishing a distinct national numismatic identity.

Artistry: The obverse features the acclaimed Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a dignified and precisely engraved representation. The reverse, embodying a distinctly Gambian identity, displays a meticulously rendered peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea), a vital agricultural staple. This naturalistic design, likely from a Royal Mint engraver adapting local motifs, falls within a modern, illustrative stylistic school, emphasizing accuracy and clarity to represent the country's economic bedrock.

Technical/Grading: Struck in a durable nickel brass alloy (79% Copper, 20% Zinc, 1% Nickel), this 25.9 mm, 6.2 gram coin typically exhibits a strong strike. Key high-points for grading include the Queen's hair details above the ear and the crown's intricate elements. On the reverse, collectors should examine the sharpness of the peanut pods, the delicate venation of the leaves, and the fine root structure for evidence of full strike. Weakness often manifests as flatness in these raised features.