Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Coronation First Day Cover, Turks and Caicos postmarked on June 2, 1978.

Turks and Caicos

Geographically part of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands are composed of about thirty flat islands covered with bushes and stunted trees, and surrounded by excellent coral sand beaches. They were discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1512, but held few attractions until the need for salt brought Bermudians to the salt pans. The population was swelled by Loyalists running with their slaves from the American Revolution, but they did not stay long after slavery was outlawed. Income for most islanders is still meagre, coming from salt raking, sisal and fishing for conch and crawfish. Tourism is another source, but the government is keeping this low profile avoiding the tactic of dredge and fill along the coast, which elsewhere has provided a basis for massive development, but destroyed the base of the food chain supporting local marine life.

The Coronation Anniversary issue of Turks and Caicos consists of four stamps showing recent monarchs in Coronation attire:

6c - Queen Victoria. Victoria came to the throne in 1837 at the age of eighteen. She reigned for 64 years — longer than any other British sovereign. The Victorian Era saw the rapid growth of the British Empire throughout the world and it is the remains of this which forms the Commonwealth today.

10c — King Edward VII. Edward had been heir to the throne for 59 years when he became King in 1901, but his mother had kept him from any real involvement in affairs of state, so he lacked experience. Nevertheless, his affable and charming personality won him much affection and esteem, and he showed skill and diplomacy in his relations with foreign powers.

25c — King George V. Coming to the throne in 1910, George's reign was not an easy one, for bloody and wasteful war was followed by civil disturbances. Yet from it all George emerged as a popular and able King.

$2.00 — King George VI. From being informed of his brother's intention to abdicate, George VI had a mere three weeks to prepare to be king. Nevertheless he took an active part in the nation's affairs, helping unify the nation during the war, and advising in its later reconstruction.