Pobjoy Mint — British Virgin Islands: New one-ounce silver bullion coins feature Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria

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The treasury of the British Virgin Islands has released new one-ounce silver bullion coins which feature the Santa Maria, one of the three famous ships of Christopher Columbus, which made the historic crossing in 1492. The Santa Maria, originally nicknamed La Gallega, along with the other two ships, the Niña and the Pinta, were under the command of Columbus. He was on a mission of discovery on behalf of the Spanish crown during his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and had believed he could reach the East Indies by sailing West rather than East, the latter of which was becoming more hazardous.

The 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 features a reverse-frosted cameo effect, includes a rendition of the Santa Maria with open sails over a body of water. A silver bullion privy mark “P” is also present, which is unique to Pobjoy Mint bullion coins. The specifications of weight and fineness Ag 999 1 OUNCE are seen just under the waterline, and the text SANTA MARIA is shown under the primary design and along the lower edge. The denomination of $1 is seen to the upper-right. The obverse of the coin features an effigy of *Her Late 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	Maximum Mintage
1 dollar	.999 Silver	31.1 g	38.6 mm	Bullion	10,000

Each coin is enclosed in a clear vinyl heat-sealed square holder and available directly from the Pobjoy Mint by clicking here.

*From 2023, legal tender coins issued by the treasury of the British Virgin Islands will carry an effigy of HM King Charles III subject to and, with the approval of Buckingham Palace.

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