1 Dollar - Elizabeth II 2017

Weight

31.103 g

Diameter

40.00 mm

Thickness

NA

Material

Silver (.999)

Shape

Round

Edge Type

Reeded

Technique

Milled

Front design

The Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II

Back design

The PT-109 boat and the portrait of John F. Kennedy

Year of Minting

2017

Queen

Elizabeth II (1952-2022)

Mint location

Royal Australian Mint , Canberra, Australia (1965-date)

Mint mark

NA

Orientation

Medal alignment ↑↑

Inscriptions

Obverse: ELIZABETH II SOLOMON ISLANDS IRB 2017 Reverse: JOHN F. KENNEDY 1917-2017 PT109 ONE DOLLAR

Context

The design of this splendid coin pays tribute to the act of heroism, endurance, and leadership shown by Lieutenant John F. Kennedy in 1943 during WWII in the Solomon Islands.This coin is a representation of the most famous crash in naval history of this war. On the night of August 2, 1943 boat PT-109 was destroyed by Japanese aircraft. John F. Kennedy attempted to turn his ship starboard to aim the torpedoes, but there wasn’t enough time. The larger Japanese destroyer split PT-109 in half. Most of the crew was thrown into the water by the force of the impact - two were killed and one was badly burned. Over two days the men desperately looked for a way home with Kennedy taking a leadership role, but the rescue seemed increasingly far. Finally, two native Coastwatchers, who were patrolling the ocean, found the crew and helped them send a message to a base by using a coconut. Today, that very coconut is in the J.F.K museum in memory of that story.

Rarity

Ultra rare

Coin type

Non-circulating

In circulation

Yes

Demonetized

No

Marketplace listings

0