Isle of Man: Prototype designs

[eurocoin]

In 1973 the Isle of Man government wanted to issue a commemorative 5p coin for the Inauguration of the Isle of Man Postal Authority which on the obverse had the viking design that can be seen in this post. The particular design was earlier considered for the decimal coinage of the Isle of Man but eventually not used. The design linked with the postage stamp that the Isle of Man issued at the time. The obverse was going to have the Arnold Machin effigy along with the inscription "Isle of Man Postal Authority" and "Queen Elizabeth II". 100,000 pieces were to be minted at the Pobjoy Mint in cupro-nickel and silver.

The coin was eventually never issued because of various objections that were raised. The most important one being the fact that Her Majesty would likely not consider the theme to be important enough for her to allow the use of her effigy on the coin. As an example of this there was referred to a recent proposal from the Cayman Islands to issue a coin for the 20th anniversary of the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II, which was turned down by the palace authorities.

One of the other objections that was raised was the fact that a private mint (Pobjoy Mint) was now for the first time going to mint coins that were similar to the UK circulating coins. Therefore the security at Pobjoy Mint had to be very good. If coins would be stolen from PM in the future, these could be used in vending machines in the UK without any problem and would also likely be accepted in general circulation.

Eventually the Isle of Man Government abandoned the plan to issue the coin.