Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II; Reverse: Jonathan the giant tortoise, as minted in 2003 for Saint Helena and Ascension.
ST. HELENA 5-PENCE COIN FEATURES 190-YEAR-OLD TORTOISE JONATHAN
*The 2003 Saint Helena and Ascension 5‑pence piece immortalises a living legend. A copper‑nickel token that circulates daily now bears a 190‑year‑old giant tortoise, linking colonial currency to natural heritage.*
A modest 5‑pence piece from Saint Helena and Ascension has become a talking point among numismatists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Minted by the Royal Mint in 2003, the coin bears the familiar portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and a surprisingly detailed image of a giant tortoise on the other. That tortoise is Jonathan, a resident of the islands who is estimated to be about 190 years old. By placing a living creature on everyday currency, the territory blends monetary policy with a celebration of its unique natural heritage, turning a pocket change into a miniature museum exhibit.
What are the technical specs of the 5‑pence coin?
The coin is a standard‑issue 5‑pence piece minted between 1998 and 2006 for Saint Helena and Ascension. It weighs 3.25 g, measures 18 mm in diameter and 1.70 mm thick, and is struck from copper‑nickel. The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, United Kingdom, produced it using machine‑striking techniques. The obverse, designed by Raphael David Maklouf, shows a crowned head of Queen Elizabeth II with the date below and the legend “QUEEN ELIZABETH II ST.HELENA + ASCENSION RDM 2003”. The reverse, by Robert Elderton, depicts a giant tortoise facing left, inscribed “JONATHAN THE GIANT TORTOISE 5 FIVE PENCE”. The edge is reeded.
Who is Jonathan, the giant tortoise?
Jonathan is a giant tortoise residing on the islands of Saint Helena and Ascension. According to the coin’s reverse legend, he is roughly 190 years old. The animal’s longevity makes him a living symbol of the islands’ natural history. By featuring Jonathan, the coin highlights a creature that predates modern colonial administration and even the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, whose portrait appears on the obverse.
Why does the 5‑pence coin feature Jonathan the tortoise?
The inclusion of Jonathan serves a dual purpose. It celebrates a unique local icon, reinforcing Saint Helena’s distinct identity within the British Overseas Territories. At the same time, it leverages the global reach of British coinage to publicise a rare wildlife ambassador. This suggests a strategic use of everyday currency to promote heritage tourism and environmental awareness without altering the coin’s monetary function.
How does the coin perform in the collector market?
Numista lists the 2003 issue as part of the Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Collection. User‑reported values in Indian rupees range from ₹170 to ₹340 for the 2003 version, reflecting modest demand. The Numista rarity index rates the coin at 14 on a 0‑100 scale, indicating it is relatively common among collectors. Feedback entries span users from the United Kingdom, Latvia, the United States, India, Ukraine, Brazil, Spain, and Poland, showing broad international interest.
Frequently asked questions
What animal is depicted on the St. Helena 5‑pence coin?
The reverse shows a giant tortoise named Jonathan, described as a roughly 190‑year‑old tortoise.
When was the 5‑pence coin featuring Jonathan minted?
The coin was issued in 2003 as part of the Saint Helena and Ascension series minted between 1998 and 2006.
Who designed the obverse and reverse of the coin?
The obverse was designed by Raphael David Maklouf, and the reverse was designed by Robert Elderton.
The St. Helena 5‑pence coin proves that even the smallest denominations can carry weight beyond their face value. By immortalising Jonathan, the islands have turned a routine transaction into a reminder of ecological endurance and colonial continuity. As the coin circulates, it silently spreads the story of a 190‑year‑old reptile, ensuring that the legacy of both monarch and tortoise endures in the hands of the public.
Sources: Hacker News – Numista entry https://de.numista.com/9866