Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 Vincent and the Grenadines 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 Vincent and the Grenadines depicts a Humpback Whale. 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: In the crystalline embrace of the Caribbean Sea lies the enchanting archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a tapestry of emerald isles offering a tropical haven. This idyllic sanctuary, steeped in rich history, has forged a unique connection with the mighty humpback whales that grace its azure waters.
As the sun casts its golden glow upon the lush landscapes, the islands narrate a tale of centuries, bearing witness to the comings and goings of explorers, traders, and the rhythmic migrations of these magnificent marine leviathans.
The history of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines intertwines with the eons-old saga of humpback whales, whose annual pilgrimage turns the sea into a ballet of flukes and breaches. Amid the swaying palms and coral reefs, this Caribbean paradise has become a vibrant intersection of terrestrial and marine narratives.
As the nation captures this harmonious dance of nature, it commemorates this profound connection with a commemorative coin, a glistening tribute to the majestic humpback whales that weave through the maritime tapestry of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. |