Catalogo
| Emittente | Tuvalu |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1976-1985 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 5 Cents |
| Valuta | Dollar (1976-date) |
| Composizione | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Peso | 2.8 g |
| Diametro | 19.4 mm |
| Spessore | 1.1 mm |
| Forma | Round |
| Tecnica | Milled |
| Orientamento | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Incisore/i | Obverse: Arnold Machin Reverse: John Donald |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | KM#3, Schön#3 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Crowned portrait of the young Queen Elizabeth II to the right |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto | QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND |
| Descrizione del rovescio | The name of the country `TUVALU`, a tiger shark, the face value `5c` and the year. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio | TUVALU 5c 1985 |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
1976 - - 26 000 1976 - Proof - 20 000 1981 - - 1981 - Proof - 1985 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 5836074680 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: The Tuvalu 5 Cents coin, bearing the second effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and issued between 1976 and 1985, encapsulates a pivotal period for the Pacific island nation. Introduced during its status as a British colony, its issuance continued through Tuvalu's declaration of independence in 1978. Elizabeth II's portrait underscored Tuvalu's enduring Commonwealth membership, while the coin itself represented an early step in establishing a distinct national currency, transitioning to a new decimal coinage aligned with its emerging sovereignty.
Artistry: The obverse features the iconic 'second portrait' of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, meticulously sculpted by Arnold Machin, R.A. This rendition, depicting the Queen wearing the 'Girls of Great Britain and Ireland' Tiara, is a hallmark of post-war numismatic realism, emphasizing dignity and regal poise. The reverse, designed by Michael Hibbit, beautifully portrays a sea turtle, a creature of profound cultural and ecological significance to Tuvalu, rendered with a blend of naturalism and artistic simplification suitable for circulating coinage.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this 2.8-gram, 19.4 mm coin exhibits robust qualities typical of its composition. For grading, key high-points on the obverse include the intricate details of the Queen's hair, the facets of her tiara, and the high points of her cheek and ear. On the reverse, the texture of the sea turtle's shell and the definition of its head and flippers are critical areas to assess strike quality and wear. Well-struck examples will retain sharp definition in these areas, indicating minimal circulation and superior grade.