British Virgin Islands, 1977 Silver Proof Collection Commemorating the 25th anniversary the reign of Queen Elizabeth II

British Virgin Islands, 1977 all-Silver Proof Year Collection FDC. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. (6 Coins All-Sterling Silver Proof FDC). 1 Dollar to 1 Cent. Dollar: "Magnificent Frigate Bird" 0.7643 oz ASW 39mm. 50 Cents: Rev Young Pelican 0.4972 oz ASW 32mm. 25 Cents: Rev Mangrove Cuckoo 0.2620 oz ASW 26mm. 10Cents: Rev Ringed kingfisher, 0.1903 oz ASW 23mm. 5 Cents: Rev Zenaida Doves 0.1056 oz ASW 20mm. 1 Cent: Rev Green-Throated Carib and Antilean Crested Hummingbird, 0.0520 oz ASW 15mm. This special 1977 coinage-the first Sterling Silver Proof Set ever issued by the British Virgin Islands, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the reign of Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. In Keeping with the nature of the event it celebrates, the face of each coin in this six-coin Collector's Proof Set bears the famous coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, together with the inscription: ELIZABETH II. SILVER JUBILEE. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. 1977. The reverse of these coins bear original works of art-created and sculptured by the world-renowned medallist Gilroy Roberts depicting the birds of the British Virgin Islands. One of the loveliest of the Caribbean islands groups; the British Virgin Islands comprise some 60 islands, cays and islets. They were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Inspired by their tropical beauty, the explorer named them Las Virgines after the martyred St. Ureula and her 11,000 companions. Over the centuries following their discovery, the Virgin Islands' secluded harbours offered protection to buccaneers from all over the world, and many of the exotic island names reflect the spirit of this era. After vying for control with the Dutch and French, the British claimed the islands in 1666. Constitutional government with representation was granted in 1773, and in 1960 the British Virgin Islands became a British Crown Colony. Under Britain's guidance, these gentle islands have kept their beauty and have grown, quietly and steadily. In February 1966 Queen Elizabeth II became the first English monarch to visit the British Virgin Islands. Accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty was jubilantly welcomed. Her visit was a historic milestone in the three-centuries-old relationship between the islands and the British Crown. GRADE: All Sterling Silver in Stunning Proof FDC, with Certificate of Authenticity, issued by the Franklin Mint USA. Note: Many of these Sets have been taken out of their Mint protective sealed display card, or melted-down, for silver value, thus now becoming scarce.