2020-07-08 Wed

The tiny, equine-shaped sea creature is the most mysterious animal of the oceans. The sea horses are found in the world's tropical and temperate coastal waters, swimming upright among seaweed and other plants. This cute little fish is an important part of Barbados Ecology as well as delicacy.

In July 2020, Barbados issued the third release of coins in a bullion series from Barbados celebrating the seahorse. The Coins were issued is both silver and gold with the value 1 Dollar and 10 Dollars respectively.

The obverse displays the Barbados coat of arms along with the face value and purity. The shield of the arms carries two feelings of pride of Barbados flowers (the national flower) and the bearded fig tree (Ficus citrifolia). On either side of the shield are the supporters – on the right a dolphin, symbolic of the fishing industry, and on the left a pelican, after Pelican Island, a small outcrop later incorporated into the Deep Water Harbour development.

Above the shield is a helmet and mantling and on a wreath is the arm and hand of a Bajan holding two crossed pieces of sugar cane, symbolic of the sugar industry. The coat of arms carries the motto PRIDE AND INDUSTRY.

The reverse features a full image of a seahorse with its tail wrapped around part of a plant in the ocean. In the background are graphics representing the waves of the ocean and air bubbles formed by the wildlife in the sea. The name of the coin, purity, and year of issue is also on the reverse.

Image Courtesy: coinworld.com