Obverse. Photo © Catawiki
  • 1 Cent 1976, KM# 19, Barbados, Elizabeth II, 10th Anniversary of Independence
  • 1 Cent 1976, KM# 19, Barbados, Elizabeth II, 10th Anniversary of Independence
Description

The Barbados Independence Act 1966 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that granted independence to Barbados with effect from 30 November 1966. The Act also provided for the granting of a new constitution to take effect upon independence, which was done by the Barbados Independence Order 1966.

As a result of the Act, Barbados became the fourth English-speaking country in the West Indies to achieve full independence from the United Kingdom. (Behind: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and British Guiana) At the time of independence, Barbados also became a member of the voluntary grouping known as the British Commonwealth of Nations as a Commonwealth realm.

Engraver: Philip Nathan (PN)

Obverse

Depicts a coat of arms dividing date. Name of the country below.

The coat of arms of Barbados was adopted on 14 February 1966 by royal warrant of Queen Elizabeth II. Like other former British possessions in the Caribbean, the coat of arms has a helmet with a national symbol on top, and a shield beneath that is supported by two animals. The arms were designed by Neville Connell, for many years curator of the Barbados Museum, with artistic assistance by Hilda Ince.

The national symbol found on top of the helmet for Barbados is the fist of a Barbadian holding two stalks of sugar cane, that are crossed to resemble St. Andrew's Cross. This is representative of the importance of the sugar industry as well as Barbados celebrating its national independence day on St. Andrew's Day.

Upon the shield are a pair of the national flower, known as the Pride of Barbados, and a single bearded fig tree (Ficus citrifolia). The shield is supported by a dolphin fish and a pelican. They stand for the fishing industry and Pelican Island, respectively.

At the bottom is Barbados' national motto ("Pride and Industry") on a scroll.

1966 1976
PRIDE AND INDUSTRY
FM
BARBADOS

Reverse

Depicts a trident with curled seaweed as a B around it above value.

A trident head, commonly called the broken trident was taken from Barbados' colonial badge, where the trident of Poseidon is shown with Britannia holding it. The broken lower part symbolises a symbolic break from its status as a colony. The three points of the trident represent the three principles of democracy: 1) government of the people, 2) government for the people, and 3) government by the people.

PN
ONE CENT

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Bronze
Weight 3.11 g
Diameter 19 mm
Thickness 1.55 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mints
Franklin Mint (FM)
Royal Mint

Related coins

Heavy Version

Bronze, 3.11 g, ⌀ 19 mm
Light Version

Copper Plated Zinc, 2.5 g, ⌀ 19 mm