Turks and Caicos Coins

Reverse of 1993 20 Crowns Silver Proof

Countries

Obverse of 1993 20 Crowns Silver Proof

Turks and Caicos Coins
Turks and Caicos issued its own coins for the first time only in 1974. Only commemorative coins appear to be issued as the US dollar is used as the normal circulation currency. A Turks and Caicos crown is equivalent to one US dollar.
We usually have in stock at least a few Turks and Caicos coins. The mintage figures tend to be quite low, although perhaps this is to expected with a population of about 19,350.

Coin Specifications

Denomination	Description	Diameter	Weight	Alloy	ASW
20 Crowns	1993 Space Exploration Silver Proof	39	31.2*	.999	1.0278

Notes
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Weight in grams.
Alloy = Fineness of silver content.
ASW = Actual fine silver content (weight) in troy ounces.

* Weight Discrepancy
The weight stated on the Westminster "Certificate of Authenticity" for each of these coins states the weight to be "32 g", which we take to mean 32 grams. Krause gives their weight as 31.1000 grams, fineness 0.9990 silver, and actual silver content 1 troy ounce. Neither set of figures is quite correct.
32 grams of .999 silver = 31.968 grams fine silver = 1.0278 troy ounces of fine silver.
31.1000 grams of .999 silver = 31.0689 grams fine silver = 0.9989 troy ounces of fine silver.
We weighed 4 coins, to reduce any weighing error, and although we noted some slight variation in individual weights, the total weight of four coins was 124.80 grams, giving a mean average of 31.20 grams per coin:-
31.20 grams of .999 silver = 31.1688 grams fine silver = 1.002 troy ounces of fine silver.

Westminster Inaccuracy & Carelessness
We find it remarkably disconcerting that we should discover yet another Westminster error (we discovered another one only yesterday). The weight stated on the certificates is incorrect, being overstated by over 2.5%. While we do not suspect or accuse Westminster of deliberately and fraudulently misrepresenting the weight, none the less, it certainly demonstrates an extreme lack of care and attention to detail to publish such an error. If this were in an advertisement, we could understand the error occurring due to pressure of time, but in a legal or quasi-legal document such as a "Certificate of Authenticity" it is deplorable.
What more can we say?
Actually, as we have also shown above, Krause also gets it slightly wrong, although only by 0.6%, stating the weight at 31.1 grams. It would appear that the minters have made a positive allowance to ensure that each coin contains at least one troy ounce of fine silver. Krause's stated gross weight and nett silver content calculation are both slightly inaccurate.

Production Quality
On our photograph of the obverse (head side) of these coins, the lettering looks rather amateurishly executed, and this is entirely an accurate impression of the actual coins themselves, indeed our photographs marginally flatter the actual coins. We have spent time and effort attempting to find an explanation for this effect. The conclusion we have reached is that production standards are to blame. The engraving of the portrait appears to be good, although the hairlines are slightly coarse. It would appear that the coins have been struck at too low a pressure, or at too high a speed. Around the outline of the portrait and the lettering, there is a distinct "radius"; while this is present on most if not all coins, it appears to be more noticeable on these coins. Worse is that the field between each letter appears to be slightly and locally concave. It is this last defect which seems to impart the slightly "Mickey Mouse" look of these coins. Perhaps at this point we should issue an apology to Disney, but we do not intend to imply that their trademark is cheap and nasty.
We have seen similar poor production quality on a number of other modern issue silver proof coins, and will attempt to catalogue the others, and link the relevant pages, when we can.

Turks and Caicos Coins For Sale

Date	Denomination	Description	Mintage	Grade	Availability	Price £	Price $	Price €
1993	20 Crowns	Apollo 11 Lunar Module		Silver Proof	Yes	£20	$40	€30
1993	20 Crowns	Descent From Lunar Module		Silver Proof	Yes	£20	$40	€30
1993	20 Crowns	Planting of US Flag		Silver Proof	Yes	£20	$40	€30
1993	20 Crowns	Splashdown		Silver Proof	Yes	£20	$40	€30

Notes
Mintage = Quantity issued, where known, otherwise issue limit.
We can find no mention of either the issue limit or the mintage figures for these issues.

Gold Coins
For gold coins from Turks and Caicos, please see our Tax Free Gold website.

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £3.50 or
Fully Insured £9 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
For further details, please see our Postage & Packing page.

Order Form
Order Form - USA

Order Form - Rest of World

If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth?

If you have an enquiry about any of our Silver Coins,, we'd be happy to answer you, but please note it may be quicker to telephone us. Please see the Contact Us page of our website.