| Coin | Gold Half Ounce 1989 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.
One of the formats used is the internationally popular one half of a troy ounce (1/2oz) of gold. An early design issued in this format was the Angel, 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 half ounce has a nominal face value of £2.50 (two and a half pounds).
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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 · 1989.
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 left, 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: FINE GOLD 1/2 OUNCE.
Around below, the name of the denomination, ANGEL.
The rim is framed by an elaborate Celtic border design ("Viking Knit"), interrupted at the top by a small Triskele symbol, which is the Coat of Arms of the Isle of Man. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
FINE GOLD 1/2 OUNCE ANGEL |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Gold content (troy ounces): 0.500.
Finish: proof.
The 1989 gold half-ounce Angel is not listed in the Krause catalogue. |
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