Sri Lanka 1991 5 cents
This specimen was lot 72730 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Santa Ana, CA, October 2020), where it sold for $90. The catalog description[1] noted, "SRI LANKA. 5 Cents, 1991. PCGS SPECIMEN-65 Gold Shield. An interesting square-shaped issue, this unparalleled Gem striking stands with just two others as the finest seen by PCGS. Ex: Kings Norton Mint Collection." Ceylon was colonized successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. The British were the first to conquer the interior and rule the whole island. Ceylon received her independence in 1948 when the British left India. In 1972, Ceylon dropped its membership in the British Commonwealth and changed its name to Sri Lanka, which name is still in use. The nation has been torn by conflicts between Tamils and the majority Sinhalese. This type was struck in 1978, 1988 and 1991. As of August 2019, US$1 = 180 rupees, rendering the smaller denominations worthless.
Recorded mintage: 50,000,000.
Specification: 1.00 g, aluminum, 18.25 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-139a.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The October 2020 Collector's Choice sale: World and Ancient Coins, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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