The Isle of Man coins, Manx coins are unique

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The Isle of Man Coins The issue of its own notes and coins is a positive statement of independence and the power of self determination. It is also an important source of investment income which would otherwise accrue to the United Kingdom if that country's currency was allowed to displace it. The Isle of Man has a unique constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom which enables it to elect its own Government, make its own laws, levy its own taxes and control expenditure. The nurturing of a low personal and company taxation policy has led to the establishment of a vibrant and successful finance centre and therefore it is fitting also that it should issue its own currency, the Manx pound, which is equivalent in value to its United Kingdom counterpart.

The obverse of each coin also features an effigy of Her Majesty and, at the dawn of the new millenium, it is appropriate that the reverse sides should reflect aspects of the establishment and growth of Christianity into the Island's rich heritage. £5 - Five Pounds Coin 'Deer's Cry' or 'St Patrick's Hymn' was the well known prayer which inspired Archibald Knox, one of the Isle of Man's most famous artists, to create an outstanding volume of illuminated lettering. The work reflects Knox's deep religious beliefs and is thus a unique expression of the man himself. £2 - Two Pounds Coin The design on this coin which is taken from a tenth century cross shows a belted figure carrying a book and a cross while trampling on a serpent, next to the early Christian symbol of a fish. Opposite Odin is devoured by the wolf Fenrir at the Battle of Ragnarok. This design appears to reflect the decline of Pagan beliefs and the coming of Christianity. £1 - One Pound Coin The symbol of the Isle of Man, the Triskeles, with three bells symbolising the church bells with the Inscription Millennium bells. 50p - Fifty Pence Coin The most outstanding of all the Manx Celtic pre-norse carvings, the fragment of an altar frontal shown on this coin was discovered on the Calf of Man in 1773 and purchased for the Manx Museum in 1956. 20p - Twenty Pence Coin Rushen Abbey is the most significant medieval religious site on the Isle of Man. It was the most developed monastic site on the Island and the most important medieval documents relating to the Isle of Man are associated with the Abbey. The Abbey was dissolved in the 16th Century and was stripped of all materials of any value, including all the lead from the roof and the glass from the windows. 10p - Ten Pence Coin The imposing 13th Century cathedral of St German forms a major part of the body of ruins on St Patrick's Isle. The cathedral fell into ruins after the Restoration. During the mid 19th Century, plans were drawn up to have it restored, but nothing came of them due to powerful clergymen in Douglas, who viewed the site of St German's as unsuitable for a cathedral. 5p - Five Pence Coin The distinctive type of design of the head of a cross, as depicted on the five pence piece, was devised by the Scandinavian sculptor Gaut. This ornate treatment is acknowledged as typically Manx as it is found nowhere else but on the Island. 2p - Two Pence Coin Herring fishing has always been vital to the economy of the Isle of Man, so much so that a census of 1881 showed that 13,000 of the Manx population of 53,000 were directly or indirectly dependent on fishing. 'Clasht Rooin , O Hiarn' are the first words of the Manx Fishermen's Evening Hymn, and mean 'Hear us O'Lord' when translated. The Manx fishing boat cutting though the choppy waters which is pictured on the coin hails from around 1840, and was commonly known as a 'lugger', because of its lug sail. 1p - One Penny The first missionaries to the Island built tiny chapels known as Keeils on burial ground. These Keeils were used by the priests for praying, although they would have preached to and baptised their flock outside. One hundred and seventy four such Keills are recorded, with the remains of thirty five still able to be identified today Renowned for the bold, innovative designs of its commemorative issues the Isle of Man has led the way in pioneering the World's first circulating pound coin, the only edge lettered 50p coins, the unique finish of the Penny Black crown, the World's first platinum bullion coin (the Noble) and the World's first Euro. The coinage has received the highest accolades on several occasions, including the Coin of the Year Award for Best Gold Coin (the Angel) in 1984, and more recently, awards for Best Crown, Most Popular Coin and Most Innovative Coinage Concept. Gold Angel Since medieval times an Angel coin has been held to possess the unique quality of warding off all forms of illness whilst bringing the bearer good fortune. This highly collectible 24 kt gold coin graphically displays the triumph of good over evil with a classical and forceful image of St Michael's victory over the serpent. Platinum Noble With its impressive Viking longship design the Noble became the first legal tender bullion coin to be minted in platinum in over 150 years - the last being the platinum Roubles of Tsarist Russia in the 1830's. Containing one ounce of fine platinum this coin allows the private investor to hold platinum in a form that is easily tradeable and where value is easily monitored. "Year of the Dragon" Crown Continuing the series of crowns to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2000 heralds the Year of the Dragon. People born in the year of the Dragon are held to be intelligent and eloquent but they should be careful not to indulge too much in argument. Famous people born in the Year of the Dragon include John Lennon, Prince Edward, Ringo Starr and Sigmund Freud. "Cat" Crown Enormously popular since the series was introduced in 1988 with the Manx Cat, each successive issue is now eagerly awaited by collectors. 1998 and1999 featured respectively the Birman and British Blue cats and portrayed here is the 2000 Scottish Fold Kitten. "Millennium" Crowns A collection of 16 crowns, commemorating significant historical events of the last two millennia, which will be released over a period of four years from 1997. Beginning with the Birth of Christ the first coin depicts the "Chellini Madonna" plate sculpted by Donatello. The series continues with such events as the Fall of the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, the French and Russian Revolutions through to a modern space centre to bring the world into the 21st century. "60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain" Crown "Battle of Britain" Crowns The Battle of Britain was the biggest air battle ever fought in the history of human conflict. It took place between July and November 1940 and was the first major battle fought entirely in the air. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of this historic event the Treasury has released this stunning coin featuring a montage of two Spitfires, a Messerschmitt ME109, a formation of Heinkel bombers, barrage balloons and searchlights. All crowns are available in cupro-nickel, silver or gold. Further information on these and other Isle of Man coins may be obtained from PobJoy Mint Ltd Millennia House Kingswood Park Bonsor Drive Kingswood Surrey KT20 6AY Email Address: mint@pobjoy.com Web Site http://www.pobjoy.com Pobjoy Mint is the authorised mint for the Isle of Man Government.