Catalog
5 Dollars - Elizabeth II Marlborough
| Issuer | Solomon Islands Government |
|---|---|
| Year | 1996 |
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| Currency | Dollar (1977-date) |
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| Obverse description | The obverse features the third definitive effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Raphael Maklouf, showing a right-facing crowned and draped bust of the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem, a necklace, and drop earrings. The portrait is rendered in high relief against a highly polished mirror field. The legend 'ELIZABETH II' arcs along the upper left rim and 'SOLOMON ISLANDS' along the upper right rim, with the date '1996' positioned at the bottom centre below the bust. |
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
Issued as part of a wave of commemorative silver struck by Pacific island nations through the 1990s, this piece was produced under licensing arrangements that had little to do with Solomon Islands monetary policy — the coins were sold directly to collector markets, primarily in Europe and North America, and saw no domestic circulation. The .500 fineness is telling: it kept silver costs low enough to maintain collector price points while still qualifying as "silver" coinage.
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, won his most celebrated victory at Blenheim in 1704 — a battle that effectively ended French ambitions for European hegemony under Louis XIV.