Five years after its coin for the 75th birthday, Ascension Island congratulated Elizabeth II again, this time on her 80th birthday, which the Queen celebrated on 21 April 2006.

The reverse spells out the occasion in full: «HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 80TH BIRTHDAY 2006». The obverse carries Raphael David Maklouf’s crowned portrait of the Queen and the legend «QUEEN ELIZABETH II ASCENSION ISLAND 50 PENCE»; like all the island’s commemorative 50 pence of these years, the coin is crown-sized.

Ascension is part of the British overseas territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, and its own coins do not circulate but are issued for collectors. On Numista’s rarity index the cupronickel type is seldom found in collections.

In Ascension’s run of anniversary coins, from the Queen Mother’s centenary in 2000 to the Queen’s 80th birthday, this piece fills the year 2006.

UNC condition: the coin has never circulated, shows no wear and keeps its mint lustre.

Other coins from the VPcoins catalogue will help you continue a series or start a new collection.