1964 One Bermuda Crown Silver Coin

This 1964 One Bermuda Crown silver coin features Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the Bermuda coat of arms on the reverse, presented in a hard protective holder. Specifications: * Year: 1964 * Denomination: One Crown * Composition: 50% Silver / Copper * Total Weight: 22.62 grams * Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.3636. troy oz (11.31 grams of pure silver) * Country: Bermuda * Diameter: 36 mm The 1964 Bermuda Silver Crown holds a special place in world numismatics because it represents the end of an era. It is highly sought after by collectors of British Commonwealth and silver coinage due to several unique historical circumstances: 1. The Historical "Mystery" Mintage. During the 1960s, global silver prices were skyrocketing, prompting countries like Canada and the United States to phase silver out of their circulating coins. Mysteriously, Bermuda’s government chose 1964 to commission a large, heavy silver coin despite already planning a transition away from the British sterling system. Collectors view it as Bermuda's "last hurrah" and final public memento of the sterling era before they completely decimalized to the Bermudian Dollar in 1970. 2. A Total One-Year Standalone Issue. Unlike most coin series that run for decades, this specific layout was minted only in 1964. Bermuda did not have a regular, ongoing system of pre-decimal circulating coinage. In fact, the only other pre-decimal crown Bermuda ever produced was a single commemorative issue struck in 1959. This lack of surrounding sister coins makes the 1964 crown an essential, standalone piece for anyone trying to build a complete British colonial collection. 3. Limited "Hoarded" Mintage. The Royal Mint in London struck just 470,000 standard business strikes of this coin. Because the public knew it was made of silver and was likely a final farewell piece, the vast majority were instantly hoarded as souvenirs by locals and tourists alike. As a result, it saw virtually zero actual commercial circulation on the island, leaving most remaining specimens in remarkably beautiful, Uncirculated (UNC) or About Uncirculated (AU) condition. 4. Distinctive Colonial Design. The reverse features an incredibly detailed representation of Bermuda's history: • The Shipwreck: It depicts the Sea Venture, the 1609 flagship of the Virginia Company that intentionally crashed into Bermuda's reefs during a hurricane, leading to the permanent settlement of the island. • The Heraldic Support: The entire shield is held up by a dominant, sitting heraldic lion. • The Motto: Embedded on the banner below is the phrase "Quo Fata Ferunt", meaning "Whither the Fates carry us". If you happen to see this ad fluttering about on your screen, it means this shiny treasure is still searching for its new home in your collection! Please see my other listings.