10 Cents Long-Tailed Hermit, Copper-Nickel

Historical Context: This 1974 ten-cent piece from Belize is a significant numismatic artifact, issued during Queen Elizabeth II's reign. It belongs to the inaugural coinage series bearing the name 'Belize,' adopted in 1973 from British Honduras. This series marked a crucial stride towards national identity and monetary autonomy, preceding full independence in 1981, and firmly established Belize's distinct numismatic presence within the Commonwealth.

Artistry: The obverse features Arnold Machin's second effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, a dignified and realistic portrait characteristic of Commonwealth coinage. The reverse proudly displays the Long-Tailed Hermit hummingbird, a species indigenous to Belize. This naturalistic design, typical of Commonwealth animal motifs, beautifully captures the bird's intricate details, often depicting it in flight or perched, emphasizing its distinctively elongated tail feathers, showcasing Belize's rich biodiversity.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, weighing 2.4 grams and measuring 17 millimeters, this coin generally exhibits a strong strike. For grading, high-points on the obverse include the Queen's hair and crown. On the reverse, critical areas are the bird's eye, fine plumage, and delicate rendering of the long tail feathers. Well-struck examples will show clear separation of individual tail filaments and sharp detail on the bird's head and wings, indicative of a quality strike from the period.