10 Dollars Jamaican unity, copper-nickel

Jamaica's 1978 coinage program coincided with the height of Michael Manley's democratic socialist government, a period of acute foreign exchange shortages and IMF negotiations that made the production of large-denomination commemorative issues increasingly difficult to justify economically. This piece was struck at the Franklin Mint under contract — Jamaica lacked domestic minting capacity throughout this period.

At 45.36 g, it is a heavy coin for its era, and Franklin Mint production runs from this period are known for inconsistent quality control across collector and circulation strikes.