Launch of First Commemorative British Indian Ocean Territory Coin

Ms Joanne Yeadon, Administrator of British Indian Ocean Territory recently visited the Pobjoy Mint to strike the first coin of the Territory.

This legal tender commemorative coin feature in highest quality relief the Coat of Arms of the Territory which was formally granted in 1990 on the 25th Anniversary of the Territory’s establishment.

The Arms consist of a shield bearing the Union Flag in the top quarter, a palm tree and St. Edward’s Crown in the middle half, with three white wavy lines representing the ocean in the bottom quarter. The two supporters are Turtles (Green and Hawksbill) representing the local native wildlife.

The crest consists of a Crown and Castle bearing the Territory’s flag. The motto in Latin is "In Tutela Nostra Limuria", in English this translates "Limuria is in our Trust" and refers to the non-existent continent of Limuria, once thought to occupy the Indian Ocean. Read the rest of this entry »