Coin

10 Cents - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1970) — Bahamas

Bahamas • 1970 • KM#4, Schön#3

10 Cents - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait (1970) — Bahamas

Overview

A Proof strike 10 Cents copper-nickel scalloped coin from The Bahamas (1970), featuring the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and two bonefish on the reverse. Minted at the Franklin Mint with a mintage of 22,827.

Specifications

Country
Bahamas
Year
1970
Composition
Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)
Weight
5.54 g
Diameter
23.5 mm
Thickness
1.7 mm
Mint
Franklin Mint Wawa, Pennsylvania, United States
Shape
Scalloped (with 12 notches)
Technique
Milled
References
KM#4, Schön#3
Issuer
The Bahamas

Design details

Obverse

Bust of Queen Elizabeth II turned facing right. Script: Latin Lettering: ELIZABETH II BAHAMA ISLANDS Engraver: Arnold Machin

Reverse

Two Bonefish (Albula vulpes) with the date above and the value below Script: Latin Lettering: 1969 TEN CENTS Engraver: Arnold Machin

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Arnold Machin is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: Franklin Mint Wawa, Pennsylvania, United States. Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Low mintage: Only 22,827 pieces reported. This puts the issue into key-date territory for its series; expect steep grade-based price scaling and a higher counterfeit risk — provenance and third-party grading matter.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM#4, Schön#3. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

Curator Insights

Historical context

In 1970, the Bahamas was in a transitional period of internal self-government leading toward full independence from the United Kingdom. This issue follows the decimalization of the Bahamian dollar in 1966, which replaced the pound as part of a broader shift toward an independent monetary identity. These specific 10-cent pieces were produced at the Franklin Mint in the United States, reflecting the archipelago's increasing economic ties with North America.

Design heritage

The obverse features the second official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, known for its elegant, crownless depiction of the monarch. The reverse showcases two bonefish, a species synonymous with the shallow coastal waters and sport fishing economy of the Bahamas. The coin is defined by its distinctive scalloped edge with 12 notches, providing a tactile differentiation from other denominations in the series.

Varieties and technical notes

This specific 1970 issue was struck as a Proof for collectors and incorporates the Arnold Machin design on both faces. The coin features a plain edge despite its scalloped shape and was struck in a copper-nickel alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Collectors should look for the characteristic mirrored fields and frosted devices typical of Franklin Mint proof sets from this era.

Survival and modern availability

With a relatively low mintage of 22,827 pieces, this proof strike was primarily distributed within annual year sets and was not intended for general circulation. Unlike contemporary circulation strikes that faced heavy wear in the tropical climate, these specimens were largely preserved in their original packaging. The survival rate remains high for these sets, though individual coins are occasionally found separated from their mint-issued cases.

More from Bahamas

Other 10 Cents - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait issues

Explore more

Browse more items in the full catalog or view Bahamas in the country guide.