Catalog
| Issuer | Tuvalu |
|---|---|
| Year | 1976-1985 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Cents |
| Currency | Dollar (1976-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 5.6 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Arnold Machin Reverse: John Donald |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#4, Schön#4 |
| Obverse description | Crowned portrait of the young Queen Elizabeth II to the right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND |
| Reverse description | The name of the country `TUVALU`, a crab, the face value `10c` and the year. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | TUVALU 10c 1985 |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1976 - - 26 000 1976 - Proof - 20 000 1981 - - 1981 - Proof - 1985 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1306426760 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 10 Cents coin from Tuvalu, issued between 1976 and 1985, features the second effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. This period is pivotal for Tuvalu, encompassing its transition from a British dependency to full independence in 1978. The issuance of its own coinage, initially alongside the Australian dollar, symbolized its nascent sovereignty and distinct national identity within the Commonwealth. This series represents a significant step in establishing Tuvalu's economic and political autonomy.
Artistry: The obverse bears Arnold Machin's renowned 'Second Portrait' of Queen Elizabeth II, depicting her facing right and adorned with the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This widely adopted effigy is characterized by its dignified realism. The reverse, likely designed by Stuart Devlin, features a graceful sea turtle, a creature deeply symbolic of Tuvalu's marine environment and cultural heritage. The naturalistic rendering of the turtle reflects a common numismatic theme for island nations, emphasizing local fauna.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, weighing 5.6 grams with a diameter of 23.5 millimeters, the coin generally exhibits a robust strike. Key high-points for assessing grade on the obverse include the intricate details of the Queen's hair and tiara. On the reverse, sharpness in the sea turtle's shell texture, flippers, and eye are crucial. While often found with some circulation wear, well-preserved examples will show crispness in these fine design elements, particularly the subtle contours of the turtle's carapace.