10 Dollars - Elizabeth II Royal Launch

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has issued commemorative silver dollars sporadically since the early 1980s, typically timed to royal or Commonwealth events significant to the eight member territories. This 1996 piece marks the launch of the Royal Yacht Britannia's decommissioning tour — the vessel was retired by the Royal Navy in December 1997 after 44 years of service, a decision made on cost grounds by the incoming Blair government over considerable royal objection.