Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Cents 1953-1974, KM# 10, Seychelles, Elizabeth II
  • 10 Cents 1953-1974, KM# 10, Seychelles, Elizabeth II
Description

Although Seychelles was controlled by the British beginning in 1794, Britain did not assume full control until 1810. Their rule was formalized in 1814 with the Treaty of Paris. In 1903, Seychelles became a Crown Colony but was still controlled by the British government. Seychelles became an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations on June 29, 1976 and is currently known as the Republic of Seychelles.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 1926–2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and of 14 other Commonwealth realms. Her reign of 70 years and seven months, which began on 6 February 1952, was the longest of any British monarch in history.

When her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth—then 25 years old—became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), as well as Head of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, devolution in the United Kingdom, the decolonisation of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities and withdrawal from the European Union. The number of her realms varied over time as territories have gained independence and some realms have become republics.

Times of personal significance have included the births and marriages of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively.

Obverse

Depicts the first crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the stylized heraldic Tudor Crown.

The Tudor Crown, also known as the King's Crown or Imperial Crown, is a widely used symbol in heraldry of the United Kingdom. While various crown symbols had been used for this purpose for many years previously, the specific Tudor Crown design was standardised at the request of Edward VII. It was never intended to represent any actual physical crown, although in shape it bears a close resemblance to the small diamond crown of Queen Victoria.

Upon the accession of Elizabeth II, she requested the design to be replaced with a representation of the St Edward's Crown (with depressed arches) which she wore at her coronation. Many, though not all, of the derived designs around the world were updated to match.

This portrait appeared on the obverse of the coins of Britain's colonies and dependencies (including Jersey), while only Britain and the Dominions (Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa) were allowed to use the uncrowned effigy.

Engraver: Cecil Thomas

QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND

Reverse

Depicts a large value in the center within a floral ornament surrounded by country name above, and date of year of issue.

Engraver: George Kruger Gray

SEYCHELLES
10
CENTS
1953

Edge

10 Cents

1st portrait, Crown Colony
KM# 10
Characteristics
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 6.04 g
Diameter 21.57 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 12
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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