Logo Title
obverse
reverse
Richard Thomas

2 Pounds (Battle of Britain) – Jersey

Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
Context
Year: 1990
Issuer: Jersey Issuer flag
Currency:
(since 1971)
Total mintage: 10,000
Material
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Weight: 28.28 g
Silver weight: 26.16 g
Shape: Round
Composition: 92.5% Silver
Magnetic: No
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
Obverse
OBVERSE ↑
flip
Reverse
REVERSE ↑
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard77
Numista: #197155
Value
Exchange value: 2 JEP
Bullion value: $75.88

Obverse

Description:
Queen Elizabeth III crowned right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.
Inscription:
ELIZABETH II · BAILIWICK OF JERSEY

· TWO POUNDS ·
Translation:
ELIZABETH II · BAILIWICK OF JERSEY

· TWO POUNDS ·
Script: Latin
Language: English

Reverse

Description:
Spitfire in flight over a British Isles outline.
Inscription:
BATTLE OF BRITAIN

50TH ANNIVERSARY 1940-1990
Script: Latin

Edge

Milled

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
199010,000Proof

Historical background

In 1990, Jersey's currency situation was defined by its unique and long-standing dual-currency system, a legacy of its historical ties. The island officially used the Jersey pound, which was issued by the States of Jersey and circulated alongside Bank of England notes. Crucially, these currencies were at parity and were both legal tender on the island, creating a practical environment where notes from both issuers were used interchangeably in daily transactions.

This system functioned smoothly due to a strict adherence to a one-to-one peg with sterling, as Jersey was (and remains) within the "sterling area." The island's government maintained substantial sterling reserves to fully back its own note issue, ensuring absolute confidence in its currency. There were no foreign exchange controls between Jersey and the United Kingdom, allowing for the free movement of capital. Economically, the period was stable, with the island's burgeoning finance sector benefiting from this predictable and secure monetary framework.

Therefore, the background for 1990 shows no currency crisis or significant change; instead, it was a period of consolidated stability. The key features were the successful operation of the dual circulation, the unwavering peg to sterling, and the backing of the local issue with reserves. This arrangement reinforced Jersey's economic stability and its close constitutional relationship with the UK, while also symbolising its domestic autonomy in monetary affairs.
💎 Extremely Rare