Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Coronation First Day Cover, Anguilla postmarked on April 6, 1978.
Anguilla
Anguilla, its 35 square miles adorned with beautiful white coral sand, is to be found in the northern Leeward Islands. Its 6000 people grow pigeon peas, sweet potatoes, Indian corn and sea island cotton on their small farms, but fishing and lobster catching also help fill local hotel dining rooms for the tourist industry. There are also government-owned salt ponds worked by private industry. Settled around 1650 by a few English interested in salt and tobacco and fleeing the restrictions of the larger islands, Anguilla's economy grew steadily, based on slave labour. The island declared its independence in 1967, but returned to colonial rule in 1969 following British military occupation. It became self-governing in 1976.
This Coronation Anniversary issue consists of four designs:
22c — Buckingham Palace. Built in the early 18th century for the Dukes of Buckingham, the Palace was acquired by George III in 1761 for his wife. The king's son had it rebuilt in 1825, but Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to live there.
50c — Coronation Coach. This impressive gilt coach was built in Baroque style for George III. The carriage is supported by cables from four Tritons, those at the front heralding its approach with conch shells, and those behind bearing the fasces of Empire, topped with tridents, symbolising the importance of the navy in Britain's military miqht.
$1.50 — Balcony Scene. Following the ride back to Buckingham Palace in the Coronation Coach, the Queen appeared alone on the balcony, to acknowledge the cheers of the crowds gathered below. She was shortly after joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, and then by the Queen Mother.
$2.50 — Coat of Arms. Supported by the Lion and the Unicorn, Her Majesty's arms show the three lions passant guardant of England, the lion rampant of Scotland, and the Irish harp. Surrounding is the Garter, commemorating, it is said, Edward Ill's comment after retrieving a garter lost by a lady; 'Honi soit qui mal y pense'. . . Evil be to him who thinks ill.
