The Enigma of the Isle of Man's ￡20: Crown or No Crown for the Queen?

Have you ever noticed that the image of the Queen on the Isle of Man's ￡20 note doesn't include a crown? Or have you only realized it after comparing it with the English ￡20 note? This subtle difference actually hides a fascinating and unique tradition on the Isle of Man, a place where the Queen is known as the Lord of Mann.

True for Most of the Notes

Looking at the ￡20 notes from most countries, you would expect to see the image of the Queen with a crown. But on the Isle of Man, things are different. On the Manx ￡20 note, the image of the Queen does not feature a crown. This is a significant detail that gives a glimpse into the unique relationship between the Queen and her subjects on the Isle of Man.

50p to ￡20 Notes

Let's take a closer look at the different notes: the 50p, 10p, 20p, ￡1, and ￡20 notes. Across all these denominations, the image of the Queen on the Isle of Man notes does not include a crown. This is particularly interesting given that the same portrait is used on most British and Commonwealth currency.

The ￡50 Note - An Exception

However, there is an exception, as we can see on the Isle of Man's ￡50 note. On this larger denomination, the portrait of the Queen does feature a crown. So, while the 50p to ￡20 notes do not show the Queen with a crown, the higher denominations do. This subtle difference is a unique detail that highlights the distinct identity of the Isle of Man's currency.

A Tale of Two Portraits

The absence of a crown in the Isle of Man's ￡20 note is a clear indication of the special relationship between the Queen and the Governor of the Isle of Man, who acts on behalf of the monarch. In this unique constitutional arrangement, the Queen is known as the Lord of Mann, a title used by Manx people. While the lower denomination notes do not feature the crown, the higher denomination notes do. This tradition reflects the importance of the crown in different contexts and values.

Comparison with the English ￡20 Note

When you compare the Queen's portrait on the Isle of Man's ￡20 note with that on the English ￡20 note, you can see a clear difference. The Manx ￡20 note features a more youthful image of the Queen, while the English note shows a more mature and formal representation. This variety in the portrayal of the Queen is something that is often overlooked but adds a layer of complexity to the currency of each nation.

The Rarity and Significance of the Isle of Man's Notes

It's worth noting that the Isle of Man notes are relatively rare, making them a point of interest for many collectors. The absence or presence of the crown on the currency is not a guide for their rarity, but rather a fascinating aspect of British and British Commonwealth currency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Isle of Man's ￡20 note is unique in its depiction of the Queen without a crown. This subtle detail reflects the special relationship between the Queen and the Isle of Man, where she is known as the Lord of Mann. The absence or presence of the crown on different denominations adds a layer of complexity to the currency and highlights the distinct identity of the Isle of Man.

Final Thoughts

Next time you're in possession of an Isle of Man ￡20 note, take a moment to appreciate the unique portrait of the Queen and the rich history behind it.