HASTINGS Battle 1066 Silver Coin 1$ Tuvalu 2009

The third release from this popular five-coin series marks a pivotal moment in English history. In 1066, William Duke of Normandy's fleet landed near Hastings where it engaged King Harold's foot-weary army, recently returned from conflict in the north. A fierce battle raged for much of the day until the persistence of William's soldiers eventually succeeded in breaking through the English lines. During the mêlée, Harold was struck in the eye by a Norman arrow, a fatal blow depicted in the 11th century Bayeaux Tapestry. The coin's reverse, which includes The Perth Mint's ‘P' mintmark, portrays a coloured depiction of the Battle of Hastings as it was recorded in the historic Bayeaux Tapestry. Struck elements of the silver proof release's reverse portray a Norman knight, a Norman helmet and a Saxon long-handled axe. Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin bears the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.