Coins and postage stamps of Sealand

Early Sealandic stamps.

The Principality of Sealand, a micronation founded on a former World War II fort in the North Sea, issued a number of coins and stamps for collectors. These coins and stamps are denominated in "Sealand dollars" (SX$). Sealand coins can be considered souvenirs only or "rounds" since they do not circulate anywhere and are not accepted as currency by any nation.^[1]

History

The Sealand began commissioning coins in 1972. The first to be minted was a SX$10 coin with a mintage of 2000. More coins were minted in 1975 and 1977, introducing the SX$20 and SX$100 coins. The SX$10 was minted in 925‰ fine silver, the SX$20 was minted in silver, and the SX$100 was minted in 900‰ fine gold.

In 1991 the "Sealand rebel government" (see Forcible takeover) minted antiqued silver SX$100 coins.

In 1994 the "Treasures of the Sea" Sealand dollars were minted, with an orca (killer whale) on the reverse. The SX$0.25, SX$0.5, SX$1, SX$2.5 and SX$5 were also introduced. The SX$0.25 was minted in bronze and 999‰ fine silver; the SX$0.5 was minted in cupronickel and silver; the SX$1 and SX$2.5 in bronze, silver and gold; and the SX$5 was minted in gold.

Sealand printed stamps in 1969 and 1970. These were reportedly used to carry mail between the Fort Roughs (Sealand) and Brussels.

Coins

Error Coin

In 1994, fewer than 150 copies of the half dollar were accidentally cut with a scalloped edge instead of the normal reeded one. This is Sealand's only error coin to date.^[2] In addition, a mule of a Navy SEALs commemorative medallion was inadvertently struck, by the same private mint that produces Sealand's coins, using the reverse of a Sealand half dollar. 75 of these were struck before the error was noticed.^[3]

Rebel Government Coin

A rebel government, referring to itself as the "government in exile", seeking to occupy Sealand, issued a single commemorative coin in 1991.

Stamps

A Sealandic 80 cent stamp.

1969: Explorers

Envelope with Sealandic stamps from the 1977 sailing ships series.

The same envelope with a SX$1 postage stamp.

• Vasco da Gama 1497 - 2c (later 10c)
• Christopher Columbus 1492 - 3c (later 10c)
• Sir Walter Raleigh 1584 - 5c (later 5c)
• Sir Francis Drake 1588 - 6c (later 10c)
• Captain James Cook 1770 - 14c (later 10c)
• Ferdinand Magellan 1519 - 20c (later 20c)
• Sir Martin Frobisher 1578 - 50c (later 10c)

1970

• Ship - SX$1
• Ships - SX$1
• Edward Teach - SX$1
• Squid - SX$1

1970: Ships

• Ships

1970: Fish

• Fish

1975: International Woman's Year

• Africa - 10c
• Australia - 20c
• Europe - 30c
• Asia - 50c
• America - 90c
• Joan I - SX$1

1977: Sailing Ships

• Ship of Ferdinand Magellan 1519 - 10c
• Ship of Vasco da Gama 1497 - 20c
• Ship of Christopher Colombus 1492 - 30c
• Ship of Captain James Cook 1770 - 40c
• Ship of Sir Walter Raleigh 1584 - 50c
• Ship of Sir Martin Frobisher 1578 - 60c
• Ship of Sir Francis Drake 1588 - 70c
• Sealandic Coat of Arms - 80c
• Roy of Sealand - 90c
• Joan of Sealand - SX$1

2010

• Green stamp $3.50
• Red stamp $1.50
• Blue stamp "Inland"^[4]

See also

• Cinderella stamp
• List of micronation currencies

Notes and references

External links

1. General information on the Sealand Dollar
2. Catalogue of Sealand Coins
3. Church and East tourism information
4. Images of Sealandic coins and postage stamps (German)

The Principality of Sealand Paddy Roy Bates HM Fort Roughs Legal status of Sealand Coins and postage stamps of Sealand HavenCo Sealand national football team