Coin Pièce Isle of Man 10 pence Copper-Nickel Prince Charles, Prince de Galles, Héritier de la Couronne d´Angleterre 2023

This 10 pence coin was issued in 2023 by the Isle of Man, a British territory in the Irish Sea with its own monetary authority. It is part of a series dedicated to local wildlife, featuring the Lesser Mottled Grasshopper, an orthopteran insect found in the grassy areas of the island.

The reverse of the coin depicts this insect with a level of detail characteristic of contemporary Isle of Man issues, recognised for the quality of their naturalistic illustrations. The Lesser Mottled Grasshopper (Stenobothrus stigmaticus) is a relatively rare species in the British Isles, which gives this depiction a notable heritage dimension.

The obverse bears the effigy of King Charles III, formerly Prince of Wales and heir to the Crown of England before his accession to the throne. In keeping with the numismatic traditions of the Commonwealth, his portrait appears on coins issued by territories under the British Crown. This 2023 issue corresponds to the first strikes incorporating the new royal portrait, marking the dynastic transition that took place in September 2022.

The coin is struck in cupro-nickel, an alloy classically used for circulation coins due to its wear resistance and durability. It has a diameter of 24.5 millimetres and a weight of 6.5 grams, dimensions consistent with the usual standards of 10 pence coins in circulation in the territories of the British Crown.

This issue illustrates the numismatic policy of the Isle of Man, which regularly seeks to promote local biodiversity through its thematic series, while maintaining the institutional attributes specific to territories associated with the British Crown.