Scottsdale continue their campaign to provide infinite variety in the bullion market with the debut of the Barbados Lionfish 1oz silver coin. Joining a pretty cool and varied selection of coins, this one doesn’t stray far from the mints comfort zone of a nature theme and issued for a Caribbean nation. The image of the predatory Lionfish on the reverse face is actually very well done. The impressively adorned fish looks difficult to reproduce in metal, but the perspective and depth is well realised, and the coral background along the bottom gives it some grounding.

The obverse would either be a national coat of arms or the mugshot of QEII, and in this case, it’s the former. Having quite the nautical look, it’s a very appropriate choice. The best part about this coin is the very tight mintage of just 10,000 pieces. Each coin comes in protective packaging and it should be available to order right now. Several of our sponsors sell Scottsdale product, so check them out.

REVERSE: Features a Lionfish with graphic images of the Caribbean Sea in the background. The name of the coin, purity and year of issue is also on the reverse.

OBVERSE: Displays the Barbados coat of arms along with the face value and purity. The Golden Shield of the Arms carries two 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 is a dolphin symbolic of the fishing industry and on the left is 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.”