2017 Isle of Man Currency Set

Five Pence- Manx Shearwater
The five pence design will depict the Manx Shearwater, is a medium-sized shearwater in the seabird family “procellaridae”, it is an amber-listed species of particular conservation concern on the Isle of Man., originated owing to the once large colony of Manx Shearwaters found on the Calf of Man. This design celebrates the increasing number of this traditional Isle of Man bird species. We have chosen a Celtic interlocking border as a connection theme throughout all the circulating currency designs with the Triskelion [three armoured legs] at the twelve o’clock position of the coin design. The denomination value is presented in the six o’clock position within the reverse design in part numeral and part lettering “5 Pence.”

Twenty Pence – Viking Longship
The Twenty Pence design depicts a typical scene of a sailing Viking Longship. The Isle of Man has a significant Viking heritage; key symbols are Odin’s Raven and Viking Longships. We have chosen a Celtic interlocking border as a connection theme throughout all the circulating currency designs with the Triskelion [three armoured legs] at the twelve o’clock position of the coin design. The denomination value is presented in the six o’clock position within the reverse design in part numeral and part lettering “20 Pence.”

One Pound – Raven and Falcon
The coat of arms of the Isle of Man was granted by Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann, on 12 July 1996. In the coat of arms we can find Dexter and Sinister heraldry symbols of a peregrine falcon and a raven. These birds are symbolically associated with the Island, Tower Mint on behalf of the Isle of Man wishes to propose these two symbolic birds within the One Pound coin design. We have chosen a Celtic interlocking border as a connection theme throughout all the circulating currency designs with the Triskelion [three armoured legs] at the twelve o’clock position of the coin design. The denomination value is presented in the six o’clock position within the reverse design in part numeral and part lettering “1 Pound.”

Five pounds – Triskele symbol, used as an overarching symbol on the highest denomination
The triskelion is arguably the most known symbol of the Isle of Man, it is included in both the coat of arms and the flag of the Isle of Man. The triskelion is composed of three armored legs with golden spurs. It has been the official flag of Mann since 1 December 1932 and is based on the Manx coat of arms, which dates back to the 13th century. The three legs are known in Manx as ny tree cassyn (“the three legs”). The triskelion is an ancient symbol, used by the Mycenaean’s and the Lycian’s. The five pound coin, the highest denomination, shows the highest symbol of the Isle of Man, the Triskele or Triskelion. We have chosen a Celtic interlocking border as a connection theme throughout all the circulating currency designs with the Triskelion [three armored legs] at the twelve o’clock position of the coin design. The denomination value is presented in the twelve o’clock position within the reverse design in part numeral and part lettering “5 Pounds.”

Ten Pence- Manx Cat
The Ten Pence design depicts the famous Isle of Man, Manx cat best known as being entirely tailless; this is the most distinguishing characteristic of the breed, along with elongated hind legs and a rounded head. The Isle of Man uses the Manx cat as one of the symbols of the island nation and its unique culture. We have chosen a Celtic interlocking border as a connection theme throughout all the circulating currency designs with the Triskelion [three armoured legs] at the twelve o’clock position of the coin design. The denomination value is presented in the six o’clock position within the reverse design in part numeral and part lettering “10 Pence.”

Fifty Pence – Manx Loaghtan
The design depicts the Manx Loaghtan, a breed of sheep native to the Isle of Man. The sheep have dark brown wool and usually four or occasionally six horns. We have chosen a Celtic interlocking border as a connection theme throughout all the circulating currency designs with the Triskelion [three armoured legs] at the twelve o’clock position of the coin design. The denomination value is presented in the six o’clock position within the reverse design in part numeral and part lettering “50 Pence.”

Two pounds – Tower of Refuge
The Two Pound coin depicts the Tower of Refuge. This important landmark was built upon the reef on the orders of Sir William Hillary, founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1832. After several shipwrecks upon the semi-submerged rock, he wanted a refuge for survivors until help could arrive. The refuge, which was built to look like a castle, was designed by local architect John Welch. The tower was kept well stocked with fresh water and bread, ready to offered shelter from the dangerous weather and sea. Tower Mint feel it is fitting to include such a historical landmark within the Isle of Man circulating currency. We have chosen a Celtic interlocking border as a connection theme throughout all the circulating currency designs with the Triskelion [three armored legs] at the twelve o’clock position of the coin design. The denomination value is presented in the six o’clock position within the reverse design in part numeral and part lettering “2 Pounds.”

The Obverse Design- Queen Elizabeth II effigy by Jody Clark
The obverse design will be an effigy created by UK designer and sculptor Jody Clark, known for his 2015 effigy of Queen Elizabeth II used on UK coinage. The effigy has been created for use on Crown dependencies and Commonwealth countries. The outer inscription will include the Queen’s Full Title, Country of Issue and Year of Issue.