Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Cents 1977, KM# 34, Seychelles
  • 50 Cents 1977, KM# 34, Seychelles
Description

Seychelles is an archipelagic island country in the Indian Ocean at the eastern edge of the Somali Sea. The country consists of 115 islands. Its capital and largest city, Victoria, lies 1,500 kilometres (932 mi) east of mainland Africa.

Seychelles was uninhabited prior to being encountered by Europeans in the 16th century. It faced competing French and British interests until coming under full British control in the late 18th century. Since proclaiming independence from the United Kingdom in 1976, Seychelles has developed from a largely agricultural society to a market-based diversified economy, characterized by rapidly rising service, public sector, and tourism activities.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Seychelles shows a shield, in which a giant tortoise is located on grounds. On the ground there is a coco de mer palm tree. Behind it there is a sea with two islands and a sail ship to be seen. The shield is enthroned by a helmet, on which a white-tailed tropicbird is located above waves. The shield is supported by two white sailfish. Beneath the shield the motto of Seychelles is stated: "Finis Coronat Opus" (Latin for "The End Crowns the Work").

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
FINIS·CORONAT·OPVS
· 1977 ·

Reverse

Depicts Vanilla orchid flowers and value at the left below, inscription with date above.

Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as the vanilla orchid, is native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil and is a key source of vanilla flavoring due to its high vanillin content. First named in 1808, it grows as an evergreen vine and can reach up to 30 meters in length. The plant produces greenish-yellow flowers that require manual pollination to set fruit, with the resulting pods being harvested and cured for vanilla extract. Due to habitat loss and declining populations, the IUCN has classified Vanilla planifolia as endangered.

Engraver: Suzanne Danielli

50
CENTS

Edge

50 Cents

KM# 34
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 5.8 g
Diameter 23.6 mm
Thickness 1.7 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Heaton Mint, Birmingham (H)

Related coins

Declaration of the Independence

Cupronickel, 5.8 g, ⌀ 23.6 mm