2017-03-14 Tue

Pobjoy Mint released a special coin in the shape of US Capitol Building for British Virgin Islands. This $1 has a mintage limit of 5,000 pieces and features the common portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Located on Capitol Hill, the Capitol Building is the headquarters of the US Congress and the seat of the Legislative branch of the US Federal Government. The word Capitol has a Latin origin related to Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the Capitoline Hill which is one of the seven famous hills of Rome.

In 1792, a competition was held for designing the building. The winning architect would receive $500. Young, new yet talented architect William Thornton, born in the British Virgin Islands sent in a late entry and won the contest. George Washington laid the foundation in 1793 and the structure was completed in 1800. It was rebuilt in the 1850s and was 3 times taller than the original structure.

The interiors and exteriors of the building are very artistic with interesting murals, animals and flora representing the United States. It also has National Statuary Hall collection with 100 statues like a bronze 6,804kg statue of King Kamehameha. A private subway was built for senators to go to the neighbouring congressional office buildings.

The Nickel Silver coin comes in a special packaging and weighs 35.40 g.