You know Franklin Mint is a private enterprise that produces coins under contract with cities, states, small countries and island nations. In 1985 one of those island nations was the British Virgin Islands. The coins were to be of proof quality, measure 38mm, bear a denomination of $20 and have a silver content weighing in at 0.5677 ounces. The bust of Queen Elizabeth II adorned the obverse of every coin. 21 different coins were produced. Some featured flora and fauna inherent to the islands of the Caribbean on their reverse. Most featured an item of treasure. Four featured a numismatic relic. This article reveals the four coins bearing a numismatic item on their reverse. Links to images of these coins are few. Some links lead to a webpage where the coin is for sale. Please understand the links are presented, only, so you may view the actual coin. I do not reccommend the coin, price nor the person or firm tendering the offer. I, also, am not voicing disapproval of the coin, its price nor the seller. Another note; The lomk may not be still viable if the coin has been sold. Before I reveal the four coins, let me introduce you to three other British Virgin Islands' 1985 Proof $20 (worldcoingallery.com photos): 1985 $20 (Crossed Cannons): http://worldcoingallery.com/countri... Crossed Cannons&query=British Virgin cannons 1985 $20 (Sextant): http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...s (1985) Sextant&query=British Virgin sextant 1985 $20 (Ivory Sundial): http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...rc=Antonio Monte&query=British Virgin sundial Here's our first numismatic connected coin. The image on the coin's reverse is a 1702 Gold Doubloon (worldcoingallery.com photo): http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...) Gold Doubloon&query=British Virgin doubloon What would make this an even better numismatic experience? Yes, a photo of a 1702 Gold Doubloon. I couldn't find a photo of a 1702 Doubloon, but here's a photo of a Gold Doubloon from circa 1788. Photo courtesy of Marco Nero Photos: http://www.pbase.com/nero_design/image/74192586 Here's a photo of a 1985 $25 which bears the same Escudo reverse as the 1985 Virgin Islands $20: http://cgi.ebay.com/1985-BRITISH-VI...itemZ230396436687QQcategoryZ546QQcmdZViewItem Want to view the Escudo? Take a look. Photo is from the archives of Goldberg Coins: http://www.mkjassociates.com/cgi-bin/ilgvulot.pl?site=1&sale=41&lot=4695 This third British Virgin Islands $20 bears a sunken treasure relic. Have a look-see courtesy of Prissy's Collectibles' eBay webpage Click for an enlargement: http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/British-Virg...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4835cd1e7b Iam not going to insult your intelligence by posting a link to a Gold bar or ingot. Here's our last British Virgin Islands' $20. Pohoto courtesy of Legal Coins' eBay webpage: http://cgi.ebay.com/British-Virgin-...mZ350370355933QQcategoryZ162171QQcmdZViewItem Want to see a Spanish Colonial 8 Reales Cob Coin? Sedwick Coins photo: http://www.sedwickcoins.com/shipwreck_coins.htm Hope you enjoyed... Clinker
That was fun I do like the crossed cannons, might try to get one of those. Thanks for the last link Clinker very informative
Thanks for posting this, Clinker! These are not for sale. They're mine and I think they're pretty! Chris
Thanks, Ckinker! Hey, I just noticed that you're in Ft. Myers. I'm right across the river from you. Chris
Franklin Mint is right around the corner (Not really, but within 15 minutes) from where I live. I don't know if they still give tours, but they had a really nice collection back in the day prior to their bankruptcy.
Hi Chris: Been here since Jan 1961. A few years back I used to be a member of the Fort MyersCoin Club and the Cape Coral Coin Club. Used to set up with a bourse table in Coralwood Mall before the rennovations. Enjoy your day and may you enjoy it numismatically... Clinker
Nice coins from the Franklin Mint These coins were offered at $25.00 each plus $1.00 shipping in 1986. More pictures and other Franklin Mint coins can be seen here: http://franklin-mint-silver.com/franklin-mint-treasure-coins-of-the-caribbean.htm
There are some beautiful sets on that Franklin Mint sales site. The Treasure coins are really neat. I'd not seen them before. Thanks for sharing.
