This auction is for one Isle of Man 1989 cat coin with a face value of one crown. This coin is the second in the Isle of Man cat coin series, and it has a beautiful Persian Cat on the back and a picture of Queen Elizabeth II on the front. The coin is CuNi (Copper Nickel) in a Brilliant Uncirculated condition. This is a large coin -- it is approximately 38.6 mm in diameter, which is slightly larger than the size of a United States Eisenhower dollar. The photo below was enlarged approximately twice the actual size of the coin to show the striking detail on the coin.

As the dusty desert caravans wound their way westward from Persia, it is supposed that secreted among the rare spices and jewels on the basket-laden camels was an even more precious cargo, an occasional longhair cat. They were called Persian for their “country of origin,” but hieroglyphic references as early as 1684 B.C. shroud forever their exact beginnings. Persians, with their long flowing coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. They are divided into seven color divisions for the purposes of competition, which are Solid Color, Silver and Golden, Shaded and Smoke, Tabby, Particolor, Bicolor, and Himalayan.

The Persian cat's sweet, gentle, personality blends into most households once they feel secure in their new environment. Creatures of habit, they are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but with love and reassurance, can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households. Their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages. Persians have short heavily-boned legs to support their broad, short bodies. They like to have their feet firmly planted and are not given to high jumping and climbing. Playful but never demanding, they love to pose and will drape themselves in a favorite window or chair, enhancing the decor in much the same way as a treasured painting. Persians are tremendously responsive and become a constant source of joy and delight to their owners. Pleasurable as an unexpected sunbeam, their companionship is close and enduring.

Each year since 1988, the Isle of Man Government has released an annual coin depicting a different beautiful cat. Each of the coins subsequent to the first coin also shows a small Manx cat in the background. The Manx cat is a breed of cat that is naturally missing its tail (one of only three breeds of "tail-less cats"), and cat experts disagree as to the exact place of origin for the Manx cat. Although it is unlikely that the Manx cat originated on the Isle of Man, this country has adopted the Manx cat as its national symbol (along with the Queen, of course). That's why every Isle of Man cat coin has a Manx cat appearing somewhere on it.

 These beautiful cat coins are extremely popular with cat enthusiasts around the world, and they would make a "purrfect" and unique gift for any cat person!