Five Dollars 1978 (Silver proof), Coin from Bahamas - detailed information

The new Coat of Arms of the Bahamas as approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 7 December 1971 for use by the Bahamian People and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The escutcheon (shield) is supported by the national animals, a marlin and flamingo. The flamingo is located upon land, and the marlin upon sea, indicating the geography of the islands. The crest on top of the helm (helmet) is a conch shell, which represents the varied marine life of the island chain. Below the helm is the escutcheon itself, whose main charge is a ship, reputed to represent the Santa María of Christopher Columbus. It is sailing beneath a sun in the chief. The national motto "FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD TOGETHER" is found in a ribbon at the bottom.

Around above, COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS.

Below the coat of arms, the date 1978.

The flag of the Bahamas, consisting of a triangle situated at the hoist with three horizontal bands. Around above, the denomination FIVE DOLLARS.

The mint mark of the Franklin Mint (monogram letter F on letter M) is in the field below.

Five dollar coins were issued for the Bahamas in 1978 in two varieties:

- silver proof (mintage 6,931).

- cupronickel special quality (mintage 1,244). These are polished or proof-like in appearance, without any frosted features.

Given that a) the silver proof coins have a higher mintage, and b) they continue the tradition of the earlier series, they are listed as the "regular" coin for 1978 and the cupronickel pieces as varieties.