A Manx cat on a large crown of 1970: according to Numista, the Isle of Man government regarded this coin as the last crown struck before the move to decimal currency.

The reverse shows Christopher Ironside’s tailless Manx cat and a three-line legend: «ISLE OF MAN», «ONE CROWN», «1970». The obverse carries Arnold Machin’s portrait of Elizabeth II wearing the «Girls of Great Britain and Ireland» tiara, with the legend «ELIZABETH THE SECOND».

The coin, of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 28.4 g and measuring 38.61 mm, was struck by the Royal Mint; the edge is reeded, it is catalogued as KM# 18, and the mintage was 150,000.

Ironside’s cat returned to the island’s coins in 1975 on the 25 pence, so the 1970 crown sits well next to the decimal issue. F-VF condition: the coin saw noticeable circulation and the high points of the relief are smoothed, but the design and the legends read well; there is a dark spot near the lower edge of the reverse.

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