Logo Title
obverse
reverse

1 Crown (Roald Amundsen) – Isle of Man

Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 130th Anniversary of Roald Amundsen
Context
Year: 2001
Issuer: Isle of Man Issuer flag
Currency:
(since 1971)
Material
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Weight: 28.45 g
Thickness: 3.1 mm
Shape: Round
Composition: Copper-nickel
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
Obverse
OBVERSE ↑
flip
Reverse
REVERSE ↑
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard1081
Numista: #28218
Value
Exchange value: 0.25 IMP

Obverse

Description:
Tiara-topped bust.
Inscription:
ELIZABETH II ISLE OF MAN 2001
Translation:
ELIZABETH II ISLE OF MAN 2001
Script: Latin
Language: English

Reverse

Description:
Right bust, central ship, left dirigible.
Inscription:
ROALD AMUNDSEN 1872-1928

SOUTH POLE

NI NORGE

THE FRAM

1

CROWN
Script: Latin

Edge

Reeded

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
2001

Historical background

In 2001, the Isle of Man's currency situation was defined by its unique constitutional position as a British Crown Dependency, possessing its own parliament (Tynwald) and fiscal autonomy, while relying on the United Kingdom for defence and foreign affairs. The official currency was the Manx pound, which operated on a one-to-one parity with sterling. These notes and coins, issued by the Isle of Man Government Treasury (and by private banks until 1961), were legal tender only on the Island, though they were often accepted in the UK due to their fixed parity and similar appearance, albeit with some reluctance from unfamiliar retailers.

The year saw no major crisis or change, as the system functioned smoothly within its long-established framework. The Island's economy was stable, with a growing diversification into offshore banking, e-gaming, and insurance, all of which reinforced the need for a reliable and credible currency peg to sterling. This link provided economic stability, controlled inflation, and facilitated seamless trade with its largest economic partner, the UK. There was no serious political movement to deviate from the sterling link, which was viewed as a cornerstone of the Island's economic success.

However, the arrangement also meant the Isle of Man had no independent monetary policy; interest rates were effectively set by the Bank of England. In 2001, this was not a point of contention, as the UK's economic conditions broadly aligned with the Island's needs. The stability of the Manx currency was, therefore, a reflection of a deliberate political choice to prioritise security over sovereignty in monetary matters, a policy that continued to support the Island's reputation as a stable international finance centre.
💎 Extremely Rare