Scottsdale Mint’s annual Eastern Caribbean 8 bullion coin program starts its fourth run with a double release

Yes, we know it’s September, but as late as it is, it’s great to see Scottsdale Mint finally get their expansive Eastern Caribbean 8 bullion and proof coin program underway for 2021. This will be the fourth time the mint has run the sequence of eight issues, each for one of the countries that are affiliated with the Eastern Caribbean Bank. You can see all of the previous 24 issues in each of the 4 variants in our comprehensive Bullion Coin Profile.

There are two new sets released today, one for Antigua & Barbuda, and another for Grenada. The usual variants are back, all an ounce in weight. There are 0.999 silver and 0.9999 gold bullion versions, as well as silver and gold proof coins with selective colouration on the reverse face. The latter are boxed and certified.

The two designs are typical of the program to date. It’s Grenada’s turn to get a coat of arms coin, the fourth of the eight countries to do so, and it’s actually a pretty attractive looking thing. The Antigua & Barbuda design is one of many nature themed efforts, in the EC8 program, especially seabirds. They’ve chosen the Magnificent Frigatebird to do the honours, which is a distinctive and very pretty animal, which is seen overflying a bay.

All should be available to order now, with shipping commencing later in September.

WHERE TO BUY

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD

The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) or man o’ war is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae. With a length of 89–114 centimetres and wingspan of 2.17–2.44 m. it is the largest species of frigatebird. It occurs over tropical and subtropical waters off America, between northern Mexico and Perú on the Pacific coast and between Florida and southern Brazil along the Atlantic coast. There are also populations on the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific and the Cape Verde islands in the Atlantic.

The magnificent frigatebird is a large, lightly built seabird with brownish-black plumage, long narrow wings and a deeply forked tail. The male has a striking red gular sac which he inflates to attract a mate. The female is slightly larger than the male and has a white breast and belly. Frigatebirds feed on fish taken in flight from the ocean’s surface (often flying fish), and sometimes indulge in kleptoparasitism, harassing other birds to force them to regurgitate their food. (Wikipedia)

GRENADA COAT OF ARMS

The official coat of arms of Grenada is a shield divided into four parts by a golden cross. In the centre of this cross is the Santa Maria, Columbus’ flagship. A British lion on a red field is shown in the upper left and lower right sections of the shield, with a golden crescent moon out of which a lily grows in the upper right and lower left sections. Above the shield there is a golden helmet, topped with a garland of bougainvillea branches. Within the garland are seven red roses, which stand for the seven communities of Grenada. Holding the shield on the dexter side is an armadillo which stands before a corn stalk; on the sinister side is a Grenada dove, which stands before a banana plant. The base represents Mount St. Catherine with the Grand Etang Lake at the centre. A ribbon displays the national motto: “Ever conscious of God we aspire, build and advance as one people.”

The coat of arms was adopted by the island nation in 1974 following independence. (Wikipedia)

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION $2 East Caribbean $2 East Caribbean $10 East Caribbean $10 East Caribbean
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver 0.999 silver 0.9999 gold 0.9999 gold
WEIGHT 31.1 grams 31.1 grams 31.1 grams 31.1 grams
DIAMETER 38.6 mm 38.6 mm 38.6 mm 38.6 mm
FINISH Brilliant uncirculated Proof Brilliant uncirculated Proof
MODIFICATIONS None Colour None Colour
MINTAGE 25,000 500 2,500 100
BOX / C.O.A. No / No Yes / Yes Certi-Lock Yes / Yes
SCOTTSDALE MINT