Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Cent 1987-2010, KM# 24, Solomon Islands, Elizabeth II
  • 1 Cent 1987-2010, KM# 24, Solomon Islands, Elizabeth II
Description

The Solomon Islands comprise a double chain of seven large and more than thirty small islands, located just east of New Guinea. The islands were named in 1568 by the Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña, who claimed that he had found the riches of King Solomon, or the biblical land of gold. Solomon Islands is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen of Solomon Islands, currently Queen Elizabeth II, as its head of state.

Obverse

Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

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 SOLOMON ISLANDS
RDM
2005

Reverse

Depicts ceremonial bowl dividing value.

Ceremonial bowls were important ritual objects used during the initiation ceremonies of the bonito fish society, a high-ranking group of men and boys in the community. The bowls were filled with food and offered up to the spirits as part of the initiation. Many vessels like this one are carved in the form of a frigatebird. Native to the Solomon Islands, it can be found twice on this particular object, underscoring its importance in island culture. The frigatebird not only embodied many valued characteristics such as agility and speed, it was also admired for its fierce and aggressive hunting skills as well as its ability to find schools of sacred bonito fish. This beautiful piece exemplifies the important bonds that existed between the visual traditions and the spiritual beliefs of the Solomon Islanders.

Engraver: David Thomas

1
CENT

Edge

1 Cent

3rd portrait
KM# 24
Characteristics
Material Bronze Plated Steel
Weight 2.3 g
Diameter 17.53 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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