4 Dollars - Elizabeth II FAO

Historical Context: The 1970 Dominica 4 Dollars coin, featuring Elizabeth II, was issued during the island's associated statehood period (1967-1978). This coin is a significant part of the global Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) commemorative series, supporting the "Freedom from Hunger" campaign. Dominica's participation highlighted its commitment to international cooperation and agricultural development, reflecting the economic aspirations of many self-governing nations in the post-colonial era.

Artistry: The obverse features Arnold Machin's second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a refined post-war realist depiction common to Commonwealth coinage of the era. The Queen faces right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. The reverse, specific to Dominica's FAO theme, powerfully portrays a farmer plowing with oxen, symbolizing agricultural labor and sustenance. Inscriptions "FOOD FOR ALL" and the FAO emblem underscore the coin's global food security message.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this large 38.5mm coin generally exhibits good strike quality. For grading, key high-points on the obverse include the Queen's hair above her ear, the tiara's central jewels, and her shoulder. On the reverse, critical areas for detail retention are the farmer's head and hat, the oxen's musculature, and the plowed field's furrows. Weakness in these central reverse details, or areas furthest from the rim, can indicate a less than full strike, impacting the overall grade.