Better late than never! Scottsdale Mint launches its 2022 Eastern Caribbean 8 bullion coin program with Anguilla and Grenada

We have to admit to some surprise when news that Scottsdale Mint’s Eastern Caribbean 8 had returned for a fifth run dropped into the Inbox, not because of any inherent problems with it, but simply because it’s never debuted so late in the year. Initially released at the rate of one design every six weeks or so, progressing to quarterly pairs, the schedule was dealt a blow by the covid pandemic and has struggled to get back on track, likely because Scottsdale have such a varied and busy release schedule overall. How many of the eight 2022 coins we get in 2022 remains to be seen.

EC8 has been a very successful series, and for good reason. A fine range of designs, including some real beauties over the years, has meant there’s something for most tastes, and each issue is offered in a choice of four one-ounce coins, two silver, two gold. One of each is a bullion coin, while the other is a coloured proof, sold with typical numismatic packaging. The order in which the eight islands designs are issued varies each year, and for 2022, it’s my favourite island, Anguilla, and Grenada doing the honours.

Anguilla is represented by a pair of eels. The Latin name for the European Eel is actually Anguilla Anguilla, and the entire eel family is called the Anguillaforms, so a nice touch, even if the names are not linked to the island itself. A good design, especially in lightly coloured form, complete with a map of this tiny island (only 17 miles long) and an eel patterned border.

Grenada, is represented by a heavily stylised walnut tree. While we’re not aware of any particular link with the island, although almonds, peanuts and cashews are common Caribbean crops, and Grenada is quite famous for its spice crops, but it’s another neat and unusual piece of art. A good contrast to the Anguillan design, and an example of the variation that exists in this series, now 42 designs old.

All eight coins should be available to order now, with shipping in 3-4 weeks time. We have a comprehensive Bullion Profile up on site, with full details of every issue since the original launch in 2018. I noticed the profile is getting a little unwieldy (almost 200 images!), so it’s getting refreshed and compacted. I’d hoped to have it ready now, but it’s more work than envisaged, so it should be live tomorrow. The current one is still active.