Dominica is a sovereign island country in the Caribbean which uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) as its currency; it is the common currency of six independent states and two British Overseas Territories. The EC$ has both common and national issues. All common circulating coins are issued under the authority of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and have no issuing country specified on them. Separately, each member country can also strike coins bearing its national symbols; these coins are legal tender in all members states, and are usually commemorative or bullion not intended for general circulation. Most of the member states - except Dominica, which is a republic - share the same monarch with the United Kingdom, so that the effigy of the monarch is displayed on the coins and banknotes of the currency. Dominica is nevertheless a member of the Commonwealth of Nations which recognises British monarch as Head of the Commonwealth.
Dominica has authorised some foreign mints to strike coins under its issuing authority for collector's purposes. Some of these are in popular bullion formats, such as one troy ounce (1 oz) of gold.
This coin is part of the sixth edition of the Eastern Caribbean 8 (EC8) series of premium bullion coins by the Scottsdale Mint, which has a new annual design for each country of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The 2023 edition for Dominica features two Dolphins.
The mint says about it: Embark on a voyage of discovery with the Dominica Dolphin coin program, a captivating tribute to the island's marine splendor and its enduring bond with the majestic dolphins that grace its shores. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Dominica emerges as a beacon of natural wonder, its azure waters teeming with life and its coastal landscapes adorned with vibrant coral reefs and lush mangrove forests.
Captured through the lens of exquisite numismatic artistry, each coin in this series unveils a mesmerizing tableau of Dominica's aquatic realm, where dolphins dance in the embrace of crystal-clear seas. From the tranquil bays of Roseau to the rugged shores of Scotts Head, these coins offer a window into the island's rich biodiversity and the delicate balance of life beneath the waves.
Yet, beyond their aesthetic allure, the Dominica Dolphin coins serve as emissaries of conservation, embodying the island's steadfast commitment to preserving its marine heritage. As part of the Eastern Caribbean 8 (EC8) currency union, Dominica stands at the forefront of environmental stewardship, channeling proceeds from coin sales towards initiatives aimed at safeguarding its coastal ecosystems and protecting the cherished dolphins that call these waters home. |