Guernsey Elizabeth II 50 Pence

History

50 Pence 1985-1997, KM# 45.1, Guernsey, Elizabeth II

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Guernsey is a jurisdiction within the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a Crown dependency. Situated in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy, the jurisdiction embraces not only all ten parishes on the island of Guernsey, but also the much smaller inhabited islands of Herm, Jethou and Lihou together with many small islets and rocks. The jurisdiction is not part of the Commonwealth of Nations. However, defence and most foreign relations are handled by the British Government.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Coat of arms Guernsey Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem, small coat of arms of Guernsey at left. The coat of arms of Guernsey is the official symbol of the Channel Island of Guernsey. It is a red shield with three gold lions (historically described as leopards) passant guardant surmounted by a small branch of leaves. It is very similar to the arms of Normandy, Jersey and England. The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf ELIZABETH II BAILIWICK OF GUERNSEY RDM
Reverse	Tree, flower, plant etc. Freesia Guernsey freesia in center, denomination in words and year around, the value expressed with the number below. Freesia is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Iridaceae, first described as a genus in 1866 by Chr. Fr. Echlon (1795-1868) and named after German botanist and doctor Friedrich Freese (1794-1878). Engraver: Robert Elderton FIFTY PENCE 1990 50
Edge	Plain