Solomon Islands Gold Proof Coin Sets
There are brief notes about Solomon Islands coins on our main Solomon Islands page, but here we list only sets of proof gold coins, rather than individual coins.
1942 - 1992 Battle of the Coral Sea
Forming a 900 mile chain across the south-west Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Islands were strategically important to the Japanese in their attempt to conquer the South Pacific.
Ever since Pearl Harbour in December 1941, the Japanese had advanced virtually unopposed. They had already captured the East Indies and had invaded the Solomon Islands in January, but their plans for an assault on Port Moresby were thwarted by Admiral Nimitz's task force in the Coral Sea.
The Battle of the Coral Sea began in the early hours of 7th May 1942, when planes from the Japanese aircraft carriers Shokaku and Zuikaky sank the American tanker Neosho and the destroyer Sirius. It was the first naval battle to be fought between two carrier fleets and the result was a strategic victory for the American forces.
To mark the 50th anniversary of this event, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands authorised the Royal Mint to strike a limited number of four-coin gold proof collections. All four coins bear different reverse designs by the Dutch sculptor and medallist Willem Vis.
The $10 depicts a dramatic aerial battle between US Wildcats and Japanese bombers and torpedo-carrying aircraft.
The $25 portrays the aircraft carrier Yorktown, with a formation of Wildcat fighters from the Lexington flying overhead.
The $50 features the burning Shoho. A Devastator torpedo bomber can be seen in the foreground returning from its mission.
The $100 shows the burning Lexington, its crew having been forced to abandon ship.
Each obverse bears the elegant portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by sculptor Raphael Maklouf.
Only 500 of these collections were issued for worldwide distribution, although a further 2,500 gold proof $25 coins were struck for individual presentation.
All coins in this collection are legal tender and have been minted to the highest proof standard.
Technical Specifications
Denomination | Diameter | Weight | Fineness | Gold Content
|
Ten Pounds | 16.50 | 3.1300 | .999 | 0.1005
|
Twenty Five Pounds | 22.00 | 7.8100 | .999 | 0.2509
|
Fifty Pounds | 27.00 | 15.6100 | .999 | 0.5014
|
Hundred Pounds | 32.69 | 31.2100 | .999 | 1.0025
|
Complete 4 Coin Set | | 57.7600 | .999 | 1.8553
|
Prices & Availability
Please contact us prior to ordering for current prices and availability.
Date | Description | Mintage | Issue £ | Availability | Price £ | Price $
|
1992 | Battle of the Coral Sea 50th Anniversary | 500 | £995 | Yes | £2,445 | $3,900
|
Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order
Other Solomon Islands Coins
For Solomon Islands coins in silver or base metal, or Solomon Islands coin sets other than gold, please look at the Solomon Islands Coins page of our original website.
|
|
Obverse of 1992 Solomon Islands Gold $100
Countries Index
Proof Sets Index
Reverse of Solomon Islands Gold $100 of 1992
Half Ounce $50 Burning Shoho, Devastator Torpedo Bomber
Quarter Ounce $25 - Aircraft Carrier Yorktown, Formation of Wildcat Fighters
Tenth Ounce $10 - Aerial Battle US Wildcats and Japanese Bombers
1992 Solomon Islands Gold Proof Set
1992 Solomon Islands Gold Proof Set Certificate
|