Belize 2003 "Columbus Ships" About Uncirculated Nickel-Brass Coin, KM#99

Description

Belize 2003 "Columbus Ships"
About Uncirculated
One Dollar Nickel-Brass Coin, KM# 99
Belize is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the east by the Caribbean Sea, and to the south and west by Guatemala. It has an area of 22,970 square kilometers (8,867 sq mi) and a population of 419,199 (2020). Its mainland is about 290 km (180 mi) long and 110 km (68 mi) wide. It has the lowest population and population density in Central America. The country's population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2018 estimate) is the second highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Its capital is Belmopan, and its largest city is Belize City.
The Maya civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until about 1200. European contact began in 1492 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. European exploration was begun by English settlers in 1638. This period was also marked by Spain and Britain both laying claim to the land until Britain defeated the Spanish in the Battle of St. George's Caye (1798). It became a British colony in 1840, known as British Honduras, and a Crown colony in 1862. Independence was achieved from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981.
Belize has a diverse society that is composed of many cultures and languages that reflect its rich history. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, while Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language, followed by Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna. Over half the population is multilingual, due to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the population. It is known for its September Celebrations, its extensive barrier reef coral reefs, and punta music.
Belize's abundance of terrestrial and marine species and its diversity of ecosystems give it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. It is considered a Central American and Caribbean nation with strong ties to both the American and Caribbean regions. It is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Central American Integration System (SICA), the only country to hold full membership in all three regional organizations. Belize is the only mainland Central American country which is a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch and head of state, represented by a Governor General (currently, Froyla Tzalam).
This is a decagonal (10-sided) coin with alternating plain and reeded (or milled) edges. It is 27mm in diameter (point to point; or 25mm flat to flat), and it weighs 8.90 grams. The composition is nickelbrass. It was made at the British Royal Mint London, Llantrisant, UK. The number made is apparently unknown.
The obverse side of the coin has a large bust of a young Queen Elizabeth II (by engraver Raphael David Maklouf), facing right, in the central part. Around the border, is "Queen Elizabeth the Second".
The reverse side of the coin has the carrack Santa Maria and in the background the caravels Nina and Pinta, the 3 boats that Christopher Columbus used for his first voyage through the Atlantic in 1492. (A carrack is a three- or four-masted ocean-going sailing ship that was developed in the 14th to 15th centuries in Europe, most notably in Portugal.) At the top, and near the border, is "One Dollar". At the bottom, and near the border, is "Belize 2003". There are leafy vines near the border at the right and left sides.
This is about an uncirculated (AU) quality coin. Please see the photos. The color of the coin may show as black in the scanned images. The photo images provide an indication of the actual color. There are a few scratches on the obverse side of the coin, but the reverse side appears to be blemishfree. The scratches may be from the coin bag.