Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Cents 1976-2022, KM# 34a, Belize, Elizabeth II
  • 5 Cents 1976-2022, KM# 34a, Belize, Elizabeth II
Description

Belize, formerly British Honduras, is an independent country on the eastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico, on the south and west by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea.

Obverse

First crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the stylized heraldic Tudor Crown. Engravers initials in the truncation.

The Tudor Crown, also known as Henry VIII's Crown, was the imperial and state crown used by the monarchs of England and Great Britain from around the time of Henry VIII up to the English Civil War in 1649.

It originally had two arches, five crosses pattée and five fleurs-de-lis, and was decorated with emeralds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, diamonds and, at one time, the Black Prince's Ruby (a large spinel). The centre petals of the fleurs-de-lis had images of Christ, the Virgin Mary and St George.

Following the abolition of the monarchy and the execution of Charles I in 1649, the Tudor Crown was broken up and its valuable components sold for £1,100. According to an inventory drawn up for the sale of the king's goods, it weighed 3.3 kg (7 lb 6 oz).

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
CT

Reverse

Denomination within a beaded circle, country name above, date below.

• BELIZE •
5
CENTS
• 2003 •

Edge

5 Cents

KM# 34a
Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Weight 1.045 g
Diameter 20.2 mm
Thickness 1.4 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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