Pobjoy Mint — British Virgin Islands: New crown coins released to mark 20th anniversary of the British Overseas Territories Act 

Editor’s Note: The mintage of the $10 coin is 2,000 and not 1,000 as previously indicated

The treasury of the British Virgin Islands has released new crown coins marking the 20th anniversary of the ratification of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002. This is an act of Parliament by the United Kingdom which made legal provisions for renaming all British Dependent Territories as British Overseas Territories and granting those persons with associated UK citizenship full citizenship. As a result of the Act, all who were citizens prior to the 21st May 2002 of any British Overseas Territory immediately and automatically became full British citizens on that date. Prior to this date, British citizenship was automatically granted on request only to citizens from Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. Presently, there are fourteen territories with a constitutional and historic link with the United Kingdom though they do not form part of the United Kingdom itself. The permanently inhabited territories are internally self-governing, with all fourteen territories retaining the British monarch as head of state and with the United Kingdom retaining responsibility for defence and foreign relations. Three of the territories are inhabited only by a transitory population of military or scientific personnel with the population of all territories totalling just over 272,000 persons.

The new coins are produced by the Pobjoy Mint at their facilities in Surrey, England, on behalf of the treasury of the British Virgin Islands. The reverse design, which is shared on both cupro-nickel and silver strikes, is based on an exquisite and classic rendition of the Three Graces created by Royal Mint chief engraver William Wyon in 1817. The design was never circulated but highly prized pattern crown coins were struck and the design is considered one of the most sought-after pieces. The shield at their feet depicts the coat of arms of the British Virgin Islands to signify the connection to the country as a British Overseas Territory. The motto FOEDUS INVIOLABILE, translated as “Unbreakable League,” is seen to the left and right of the primary design, the motto emphasising the connection further and to commemorate this anniversary. The denomination $10 (silver) or $1 (cupro-nickel) is shown just below the Three Graces. The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which is an exclusive design of the Pobjoy Mint. The year of issue 2022 is included within the legend surrounding the Queen’s likeness.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage Limit
1 dollar	Cupro-nickel	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Brilliant Unc.	10,000
10 dollars	.925 Silver	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Proof	2,000

The Brilliant Uncirculated coins are presented in a micro-fibre cloth pouch. The silver Proof coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about these and other coins issued by the treasury of the British Virgin Islands, please click here.

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