| Coin | Gold Tenth-Ounce 2023 Lady Justice |
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Gibraltar is a small British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered to the north by Spain. Its currency is the Gibraltar Pound, which is locally interchangeable with the Pound Sterling, to which it is pegged at par; however, the Gibraltar Pound is legal tender only in Gibraltar and not in the United Kingdom.
The territory has also authorised some mints to issue commemorative and bullion coins under its jurisdiction. These latter are usually in standard bullion sizes, such as a small one tenth of an ounce of gold format - designated as 1/10 oz Au, where Au is abbreviated from Aurum, the Latin word for gold.
This coin is part of a Scottsdale Mint range of Gibraltar bullion coins, and the third issue in the Lady Justice series.
The mint says about it:
In the hallowed halls of courts and legal chambers around the world, a timeless figure stands, her presence a testament to the ideals of fairness and balance that underpin the legal system. Lady Justice, often depicted blindfolded, holding a balance scale and a sword, is a universal icon that transcends borders and cultures.
The origins of Lady Justice trace back to ancient civilizations, where the concept of justice was intrinsically linked to the goddesses of truth and virtue. Over the centuries, she has evolved into a powerful symbol of the moral compass guiding legal proceedings. The blindfold represents impartiality, signifying that justice should be blind to bias and prejudice. The balance scale denotes the careful weighing of evidence, ensuring that decisions are based on facts and reason. The sword, often seen as a double-edged blade, symbolizes the authority to enforce law and order. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin displays at its centre the Coat of Arms of the Government of Gibraltar. It incorporates the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, being a shield which is quartered, depicting in the first and fourth quarters the three passant guardant lions of England; in the second, the rampant lion and double tressure flory-counterflory of Scotland; and in the third, a harp for Ireland. The crest is a statant guardant lion wearing St Edward's Crown, himself on another representation of that crown standing on a knight's helmet. The sinister (left) supporter is a likewise crowned English lion; the dexter (right), a Scottish unicorn.
The motto of English monarchs, DIEU ET MON DROIT (God and my Right), which has descended to the present royal family, is in a ribbon below, while a Garter circlet which surrounds the shield is inscribed with the Order of the Garter's motto, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (from old French: Shame on he who thinks evil), partly obscured by the supporters.
Below the lower ribbon, the badge of Gibraltar - an escutcheon featuring a three-towered castle under which hangs a key.
Around above, the name of the territory: GIBRALTAR. Divided by the lion above the crown, the date of issue 2023. Around left and around right, the precious metal content: 1/10TH TROY OUNCE 9999 FINE GOLD. Around below, the nominal face value 5 POUND. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin features a classic engraving of Lady Justice, blindfolded and holding a sword in her right hand, and scales in her left.
Around above, the inscription JUSTICE. To the left of the female figure, the Latin motto FIDES ET JUSTITIA (Faith and justice). On the right, the date of issue 2023.
In the background, mountains. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
JUSTICE FIDES ET JUSTITIA 2023 |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Gold content (Troy oz): 0.100
Finish: proof.
Packaging: in coin capsule, with five capsules on a chipboard.
Release date: August 2023.
Release price: US$ 242.86. |
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| See also |
Coins in the Lady Justice series issued for Gibraltar include:
- 1 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2021
- 1/10 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2021
- 1 oz Silver (with antique version), Lady Justice, 2021
- 1 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2022
- 1/10 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2022
- 1 oz Silver (with antique version), Lady Justice, 2022
- 1 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2023
- 1/10 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2023
- 1 oz Silver (with antique version), Lady Justice, 2023
- 1 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2024
- 1/10 oz Gold, Lady Justice, 2024
- 1 oz Silver (with antique version), Lady Justice, 2024
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