The Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory, the largest by population, in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory has its own currency, the Cayman Islands Dollar, in which the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) issues a variety of circulating coins and banknotes.
The government also authorises some foreign mints to strike commemorative and bullion coins under its jurisdiction, for collector's purposes or for investment. Many of these are in standard bullion sizes, including in the small tenth-ounce (1/0oz) of gold format.
This design continues the Cayman Islands Marlin series of premium bullion coins by the Scottsdale Mint. After a brief hiatus (there was no release in 2022), the series was expanded with other sea creatures in 2023, becoming the Cayman Sea Life Coin Series. At the same time, a tenth-ounce gold format was added to it.
The mint says about it: Nestled in the turquoise embrace of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands boast a rich history entwined with the mysteries of the deep blue. These islands, with their pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, have long been a haven for marine life enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Amidst the azure expanse, the Marlin, a regal denizen of the open sea, holds a special place in the heart of Caymanians.
The history of the Cayman Islands is a tale of seafaring exploration and cultural diversity. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, these islands have witnessed the ebb and flow of various influences, from Spanish rule to becoming a British Overseas Territory.
The Marlin, a majestic creature that graces the warm waters around the Cayman Islands, is an iconic symbol of strength and speed. With its elongated body, distinctive bill-like snout, and a dorsal fin that can stretch majestically skyward, the Marlin is a marvel of marine evolution. There are several species of marlins, including the renowned Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and Striped Marlin, each possessing its unique characteristics.
Renowned as one of the fastest fish in the ocean, marlins are adept predators, capable of reaching speeds of up to 82 miles per hour (132 km/h). Their agility and streamlined bodies make them extraordinary hunters, often using their bills to slash through schools of smaller fish. Marlins are highly migratory, covering vast distances in their oceanic journeys, and are known for their epic ocean-spanning migrations.
The Blue Marlin, a legendary denizen of the deep, holds a special place in the maritime lore of the Cayman Islands. With its vibrant cobalt-blue hues, immense size, and a distinctive spear-like bill, the Blue Marlin is a mesmerizing sight in the azure waters that surround these Caribbean islands. Known scientifically as Makaira nigricans, this species of marlin is not only an apex predator but also a symbol of power and grace in the marine world.
The Blue Marlin is an oceanic wanderer, covering vast expanses of open sea during its migrations. Some individuals traverse entire ocean basins, a testament to their remarkable navigational abilities. Renowned as a highly prized game fish, the Blue Marlin attracts anglers from around the globe, drawn by the challenge of taming one of the largest and fastest fish in the ocean. |
Obverse | |
The obverse of the coin displays the Coat of Arms of the Cayman Islands, which consists of a shield, a crested helm and the motto. Three stars, representing each of the three inhabited Islands (Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac), are set in the lower two-thirds of the shield. The stars rest on wavy bands representing the sea. In the top third of the shield is a lion passant guardant (walking with the further forepaw raised and the body seen from the side), representing Britain. Above the shield is a turtle on a coil of rope. Behind the turtle is a pineapple. The turtle represents the seafaring history; the rope, its traditional thatch-rope industry; and the pineapple, its ties with Jamaica.
The islands’ motto, HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS is on a ribbon below the shield. This line, a verse from Psalm 24 Verse 2, acknowledges the Christian heritage of the country, as well as its ties to the sea.
The background of the centre is textured with lines resembling sea waves.
In the rim, which is textured with thin wavy lines, around above is the name of the country and the face value: CAYMAN ISLANDS · 2 DOLLARS. Around below, the date of issue 2023. |
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