EC8 bullion coin programme adds Montserrat to its 2019 line-up

The second of Scottsdale’s EC8 bullion coins to be issued today is for the Caribbean Emerald Isle, one famous for its volcano, Montserrat. The mint has gone with the islands strong Irish connection and drawn a pretty representation of the emblem from the national flag, surrounded by a cloud of four-leaf clovers.

An intricate patterned border surrounds the main design, and all told, this is a good looking piece, certainly an improvement on the 2018 issue, which we find a little formulaic in comparison.

The same original four formats will be available eventually, but like the Grenada coins issued today as well, just two have been released initially – the 1oz gold and the 1oz silver bullion finish. Coloured proof coins are coming soon. Mintages remain at 25,000 for the silver and 2,500 for the gold, with the former securely packed in Scottsdale’s Certi-Lock system. Yet to come in the eight-coin programme are Anguilla, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, all of which we should see before the end of the year.. Our Bullion Profile to the series can be seen HERE.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The 2019 ECCB Montserrat Emerald Isle of the Caribbean 1 oz Silver & 1 oz Gold coins depict an ornate Irish harp flanked on both sides by four-leaf clovers. The design is a salute to the Irish history of the island – the only place outside of Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday (and celebrated all week long!). Irish-Catholic indentured servants became the first European settlers of Montserrat when they were shipped out from neighbouring St Kitts in 1632.

They proliferated as sugar and lime barons and in 1768, 70% of the inhabitants of Montserrat identified as Irish. The nickname, “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” is derived from its visual resemblance to coastal Ireland and for its strong Irish ancestry.

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION $2 East Caribbean $10 East Caribbean
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver 0.9999 gold
WEIGHT 31.1 grams 31.1 grams
DIAMETER 38.6 mm 38.6 mm
FINISH Brilliant uncirculated Brilliant uncirculated
MODIFICATIONS None None
MINTAGE 25,000 2,500
BOX / C.O.A. Certi-Lock No / No