Gold Ounce 2023 Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia, Coin from Saint Lucia - detailed information

Saint Lucia 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 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.

Saint Lucia 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 design for Saint Lucia depicts the country's Coat of Arms. The 2023 edition is also the first to feature the logo of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank on the obverse, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II who was depicted on the earlier issues.

The mint says about the coin:
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia stands as a jewel in the sea, a verdant haven with a tapestry of cultures woven into its lush landscapes. With a history echoing the footsteps of Arawak Indians, French settlers, and British colonial influence, this island has become a crucible of diversity and resilience.

As the sun kisses the iconic twin peaks of the Pitons, Saint Lucia unfolds its vibrant tales of sugar plantations, battles for dominance, and the indomitable spirit that now defines this sovereign nation.

At the core of Saint Lucia's identity lies its heraldic emblem, the Coat of Arms - a symbolic gateway to its storied past. This emblem, rich in color and meaning, reflects the island's resilience and aspirations. From the iconic Saint Lucian parrot, an endemic species, to the delicate fleur-de-lis representing the French legacy, the Coat of Arms encapsulates the island's complex history.

It is not just an emblem but a living narrative etched onto a commemorative coin, a tangible homage to the resilience and cultural amalgamation that define the enchanting isle of Saint Lucia.