| Coin | Bimetallic (Gold / Platinum) Quarter Ounce 1995 Angel |
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The Isle of Man has its own circulating coinage, which is used in parallel with the British Pound Sterling; it also issues an extensive range of commemorative coins for collectors, as well as bullion coins in a variety of formats and designs for investors in precious metals.
These coins are usually in internationally popular standard formats, but some (such as this coin) are in non-standard sizes. They are considered Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) because they are "premium" editions released at prices much higher than their bullion value.
This coin is part of the extensive Angel range, depicting Saint Michael slaying the dragon. The original Angel was a gold coin introduced in England by King Edward IV in 1465 as a new issue of the Noble. Based on a French coin, the Angelot or Ange, its name was derived from the representation of the Archangel St. Michael. The image of the Archangel Michael slaying the dragon was thought to bring good luck and health and was traditionally given to sufferers of the disease the "King’s evil" or scrofula, in a medieval ceremony intending to cure them with the "royal touch".
It is usually said that modern Angels are legal tender but without a fixed face value, like the Krugerrand or Mexico’s Libertad which are legal tender to the value of their precious metal content. However, according to the various Currency Determinations by The Treasury of the Isle of Man authorising each issue, under section 6 of the Currency Act 1992, the "Angel" denomination is equal to 5 pounds in face value, with fractions or multiples divided or multiplied as required by the fraction or multiplier shown on the reverse of the coin - hence, the quarter ounce has a nominal face value of £1.25 (one and a quarter pounds). |
| Mint | Pobjoy Mint |
Mint Mark | Letters PM |
Total Mintage |
10,000
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right - her effigy known as the "Third Portrait", in its "uncouped" version extending to her shoulders. The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she used to wear on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.
In tiny letters on the shoulder truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).
Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: ELIZABETH II ··· ISLE OF MAN 1995 ···.
The tiny letters PM below the Queen's portrait are not a designer's initials but the mint mark of the Pobjoy Mint. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin shows Saint Michael, facing right, slaying the dragon. He has a halo and wears only a loincloth; in his left hand he holds a shield bearing a cross, and in his right hand he has a long spear, the tip of which has pierced the throat of a fire-breathing dragon fallen at the saint's feet.
In the exergue, the metal content: 1/4 OZ FINE Au./Pt. (one quarter of a troy ounce, gold and platinum).
Around below, the name of the denomination: QUARTER ANGEL.
Above the angel, a small shield with the Triskele symbol, which is the Coat of Arms of the Isle of Man. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
1/4 OZ FINE Au./Pt. QUARTER ANGEL |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | The coin is bimetallic, with a central circle of gold, surrounded by a ring of platinum. The specifications, as per the certificate that comes with it, are: diameter of 22 mm, fineness of gold .9999, fineness of platinum 0.9995, weight 7.776 g, issue limit 10,000. The two metals are in equal proportion: half gold, half platinum (so, one eighth of a troy ounce each).
The coin was issued in a set with a matching Noble, which has the reverse bimetallic setup: platinum core with gold outer ring. |
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