British colonies circulation coins
Even they are British Colonies, a lot of territories have their own coins in circulation. The main reason
of that is unfortunately unknown of me. Some people will think the main reason is for having more autonomy of England. There are 2 decimal systems.
- Colonies using same system than England (100 pence = 1 pound)
- Colonies using dollar system (100 cents = 1 dollar)
Dollar system
Three countries are using this system : Bermuda, Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands. They have started
to use this system in 70's (Bermuda : 1970 - British Virgin Islands : 1973 - Cayman Islands : 1972). All these territories are located in Carabbean, maybe the
proximity of America influenced thei choice of this currency. These placed are reputed to be rich and full of bank, a lot of
rich person from USA and Canada put their money there to avoid the tax.
Bermuda
Bermuda is located about 32°N, about 1000-1500 km away from USA coast. There are about 70 000 h on the islands and about 65 000h in the capital ; Hamilton. There are 5 coins in circulation (1-5-10-25 cents and 1 dollar). Size and composition are similar than Canadian and USA coins (not the same token). Newest ones are dated 1997.
- 1 cent : Kind of pig (wild boar) - Size : About 1,9cm - Composition : Bronze or Copper coated (zinc or steel)
- 5 cents : Queen angle fish - Size : about 2,1 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel
- 10 cents : Bermuda lily (Flower) - Size : 1,4 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel
- 25 cents : Yellow-billed tropical bird - Size : 2,4 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel
- 1 dollar : Sailboat - Size : 2,5 cm - Composition : Nickel-brass
Cayman Islands
Located half way between Jamaica and Mexico in Gulf of Mexico, this territories is composed of 2 main islands. There's about 20 000h. There are 4 coins in circulation (1-5-10-25 cents). Newest ones are dated 1999 (with my portrait of Elizabeth II).
- 1 cent : Great Cayman thrush (bird) - Size : 1,7 cm - Composition : Bronze or Bronze clad steel
- 5 cents : Prawn - Size : 1,7 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel or Copper Clad steel
- 10 cents : Green turtle - Size : 2 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel or Copper Clad steel
- 25 cents : Sailboats - Size : 2,4 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel or Copper Clad steel
British Virgin Islands
This island is located in Northern Caribbean sea, east of Puerto-Rico. There are 4 general coins (1-5-10-25 cents) but they are not in circulation, US coinage is the official currency. They are not mint anymore.
- 1 cent : 2 birds - Size : 1,5 cm - Composition : Bronze
- 5 cents : Zenaida dove (bird) - Size : 2 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel
- 10 cents: Ringed kingficher (bird) - Size : 2,3 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel
- 25 cents: Mangrove cuckoo (bird) - Size : 2,5 cm - Composition : Copper-Nickel
- Bronze - Copper coated zinc - Copper coated steel - Bronze clad steel= brown (like USA and Canadian 1 cent).
- Copper-Nickel - Copper Clad steel = "Grey" metal (like USA and Canadian 5 cents).
- Nickel-Brass = Yellow (like Canadian 1 dollar 1987+)
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