5 Pounds (Queen Victoria) – Guernsey
Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 200th Anniversary of Queen Victoria
Context
Year: 2019
Country: British Crown dependencies
Issuer: Guernsey
Ruler: Elizabeth II
Currency:
(since 1971)
Total mintage: 2,019
Material
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard360
Numista: #166392
Value
Exchange value: 5 GGP
Bullion value: $74.87
Obverse
Description:
Portrait four, inscribed.
Inscription:
Bailiwick of Guernsey . 2019. five pounds. Elizabeth II
IRB
IRB
Script: Latin
Engraver: Ian Rank-Broadley
Reverse
Description:
A central portrait of Queen Victoria surrounded by four shields dividing the coin. Between the shields are national flowers (rose, thistle, shamrock), with a lattice pattern filling the background.
Script: Latin
Engravers: Neil Bromley, Victorian Florin
Edge
Milled
Mints
| Name | Mark |
|---|---|
| Royal Mint | — |
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | — | 2,019 | Proof |
Historical background
In 2019, Guernsey's currency situation was characterised by its long-standing and stable framework, with the island operating its own distinct pound, the Guernsey Pound (GGP), which was pegged at par with the British Pound Sterling (GBP). This meant that Guernsey issued its own banknotes and coins, which were legal tender only on the island, while Sterling circulated interchangeably locally. The system was underpinned by the requirement for the States of Guernsey to hold sufficient Sterling reserves to fully back its own note issue, ensuring confidence and monetary stability. This arrangement provided the autonomy to produce currency with local imagery while being sheltered from direct foreign exchange fluctuations through the fixed link to Sterling.
The year proceeded without significant monetary policy upheaval, as Guernsey, not being part of the United Kingdom or the European Union, did not have a central bank and did not set independent interest rates. However, the overarching shadow of Brexit dominated the economic landscape. While the currency peg itself was not in question, there were concerns about potential practical disruptions to cash flow and financial services, as well as the longer-term economic impact on the island's key finance industry, which could indirectly affect currency stability. The States of Guernsey worked to ensure robust liquidity and contingency plans were in place.
Overall, 2019 represented a period of continuity for Guernsey's currency, with the established system functioning smoothly. The primary focus for authorities was less on the mechanics of the peg and more on safeguarding the island's economy from external shocks, particularly the impending departure of the UK from the EU. The stability of the Guernsey Pound remained a cornerstone, providing a predictable monetary environment amid wider geopolitical uncertainty.
The year proceeded without significant monetary policy upheaval, as Guernsey, not being part of the United Kingdom or the European Union, did not have a central bank and did not set independent interest rates. However, the overarching shadow of Brexit dominated the economic landscape. While the currency peg itself was not in question, there were concerns about potential practical disruptions to cash flow and financial services, as well as the longer-term economic impact on the island's key finance industry, which could indirectly affect currency stability. The States of Guernsey worked to ensure robust liquidity and contingency plans were in place.
Overall, 2019 represented a period of continuity for Guernsey's currency, with the established system functioning smoothly. The primary focus for authorities was less on the mechanics of the peg and more on safeguarding the island's economy from external shocks, particularly the impending departure of the UK from the EU. The stability of the Guernsey Pound remained a cornerstone, providing a predictable monetary environment amid wider geopolitical uncertainty.
✨ Legendary