British Virgin Islands 2014 Seahorse - Uncirculated Cupro Nickel $1 Coin

The choice of the seahorse reflects the British Virgin Islands marine heritage. The British Virgin Islands (BVI), located in the Caribbean and comprising of 60+ islands, are famed for their coral reefs featuring a wide variety of animal species including the seahorse. Seahorse is the title given to 54 species of marine fish in the genus Hippocampus which comes from the Ancient Greek hippos meaning ‘horse’ and kampos meaning ‘sea monster’.

Seahorses range in size from 1.5cm to 35.5cm and are named for their equine appearance, swimming upright unlike other fish. They have a flexible, well-defined neck and a coronet on the head which is distinctive to each individual.  The seahorse feeds on small crustaceans and can ambush prey that float within striking range. Seahorses are found in shallow tropical and mild waters throughout the world, living in sheltered areas such as seagrass beds, estuaries and coral reefs.  

The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. Ian Rank-Broadley is one of the foremost sculptors working today. His effigy of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II appears on all UK and Commonwealth coinage since 1998.

The coin is also available in Turquoise Titanium and Proof Sterling Silver.