10 Toea - Elizabeth II Spotted Cuscus

Emisor Papua New Guinea
Año 1975-2001
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 10 Toea
Moneda Kina (1975-date)
Composición Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)
Peso 5.67 g
Diámetro 23.72 mm
Grosor 1.98 mm
Forma Round
Técnica Milled
Orientación Medal alignment ↑↑
Grabador(es)
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s) KM#4
Descripción del anverso Coat of Arms of Papua New Guinea (a bird-of-paradise over a traditional spear and a Kundu drum).
Escritura del anverso Latin
Leyenda del anverso PAPUA NEW GUINEA FM 1975
Descripción del reverso Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus).
Escritura del reverso Latin
Leyenda del reverso 10t
Canto Reeded
Casa de moneda Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United
Kingdom (1968-date)
(FM)
Franklin Mint (The Franklin
Mint), Wawa, Pennsylvania, United States (1964-date)
Tirada 1975 - - 8 600 000
1975 FM - Matte - 8 300
1975 FM - Proof - 67 000
1975 FM - Special Uncirculated - 4 134
1976 - -
1976 FM - Matte - 8 300
1976 FM - Proof - 16 000
1976 FM - Special Uncirculated - 976
1977 FM - Matte - 8 300
1977 FM - Proof - 7 721
1977 FM - Special Uncirculated - 603
1978 FM - Matte - 8 300
1978 FM - Proof - 5 540
1978 FM - Special Uncirculated - 777
1979 FM - Matte - 8 300
1979 FM - Proof - 2 728
1979 FM - Special Uncirculated - 1 366
1980 FM - Proof - 2 125
1980 FM - Special Uncirculated - 1 160
1981 - Proof - 10 000
1982 FM - Matte -
1982 FM - Proof -
1983 FM - Proof -
1983 FM - Special Uncirculated - 360
1984 FM - Proof -
1995 - -
1996 - -
1998 - -
1999 - -
2001 - -
ID de Numisquare 2210519040
Información adicional

Historical Context: The 10 Toea Elizabeth II Spotted Cuscus coin, issued by Papua New Guinea from 1975 to 2001, represents a pivotal era in the nation's history. Its inaugural year, 1975, coincided with Papua New Guinea achieving full independence from Australia, establishing its own currency system. Bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, the coin symbolizes both the nation's newly acquired sovereignty and its continued ties to the Commonwealth realm. The selection of the Spotted Cuscus, a distinctive marsupial native to New Guinea, firmly rooted the coinage in the country's unique biodiversity and cultural identity, fostering a sense of national pride during its formative years.

Artistry: The obverse features the widely recognized second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, depicting her facing right, adorned with the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This classical yet approachable rendition became a standard across many Commonwealth coinages of the period. The reverse, designed by William (Bill) Williams, showcases a naturalistic depiction of the Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus) perched on a branch. Williams’s design emphasizes the animal's unique spotted fur and its arboreal habitat, rendered with a focus on biological accuracy typical of the naturalistic school prevalent in post-colonial coin designs aiming to highlight indigenous fauna.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel), this coin measures 23.72 mm and weighs 5.67 grams. For collectors, key high-points to assess strike quality include the intricate details of the Queen's tiara and hair on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas are the fine fur texture of the cuscus, particularly its head and back, and the definition of the branch texture. A strong strike will exhibit clear separation of individual hairs and sharp detail in the cuscus's eye. Due to its long circulation life, coins often show evidence of wear, particularly on the higher points of the cuscus's fur and the Queen's bust.

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