10 Dollars - Elizabeth II Dolphin, Gold Proof

The British Virgin Islands has issued commemorative gold coinage under royal warrant since the early 1970s, largely as a revenue instrument for the territorial government rather than for any circulating monetary purpose. These fractional gold pieces — this one a tenth-ounce equivalent — were produced primarily for the collector market, sold at premiums well above melt and never intended to reach a cash register.

KM#288 is one of several wildlife-themed issues from the 2004 program, a year that saw the BVI mint authority contract heavily into marine species subjects.