Coin, Bahamas, Elizabeth II
Cent - 1974 - Franklin Mint - U.S.A. - Proof
National arms above date.
Starfish, value at top
3.1 gr
Elizabeth II
- Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms: 1952–2022
- Dynasty: House of Windsor
- Predecessor: George VI
- Successor : Charles III
- Regime: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born in London in April 1926. She married Philip Mountbatten in 1947 and acceded to the throne in 1952 upon the death of George VI. She was 25 years old when she became queen and reigned over the 15 Commonwealth realms. Among others, these include the United Kingdom (of course), Canada, New Zealand, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
Her coronation at Westminster in 1953 was the first ever to be broadcast on television. She celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years on the throne) in 2012. In 2015, she broke the record for longevity of reign previously held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. A great many coins and a great many banknotes featuring the effigy of the Queen were issued by the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms during her reign.
She passed away in September 2022, having celebrated her Platinum Jubilee (70 years on the throne) just a few months earlier. Her eldest son then acceded to the throne as Charles III.
Picture: Official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, unknown photographer (1959) - Library and Archives Canada (CC)
Brass
Brass has had a variety of names over the year… It was known as orichalcum (aurichalcum) by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, Florentine or Venetian bronze, yellow copper, similor, and even tombac. Its name may vary depending on the proportions of the recipe and its origin, but the composition of this alloy remains the same: a successful and beautiful marriage of zinc and copper.
The alloy is variable in spirits and color: the more zinc dominates, the whiter its hue, the more copper dominates, the more it glimmers with golden highlights.
In its monetary form, there is evidence dating from the 1st century BC, in the area of Asia Minor, most likely in the Kingdom of Pontus. Its usage then spread throughout Asia and Europe. Augustus notably substituted it for bronze for certain dupondii and sesterces. Much later, in the 18th century, it was a popular choice for tokens. Pinchbeck (a low-end brass) was used on medals to imitate gold.
The properties of the alloy may vary depending on the proportions of metals employed, but it is well known for its great malleability and good resistance to corrosion.
When copper constitutes the majority, the patina may turn green.
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
