The Rum Runner first appeared in 2018 followed by different reverse on the 2019. The 2021 and 2022 designs were regrettably cancelled by the Covid19 pandemic only to resume in 2022 and the latest 2023 version is by comparison a huge leap in quality. It would be awesome if my Secret Santa would help me finish this little series.
2018 and 2019 $2 Antigua & Barbuda Rum Runners
“Black birds tend to like shiny things.” ~ The Bloody Raven
Before I go any further, are you enjoying the #silvergoldstacker's 12 Days of Christmas Wish List showcase? Dying to join in? It's not too late. Even if you are NOT participating in the Secret Santa put your dream coins out there so Santa may not need to guess, unless you're into getting socks and underwear.
No need for an invitation, Here's 
The Silver coin
As I was saying, the 2023 version of the Rum Runner is a big leap in terms in design detail and magnificent composition. With Scottsdale’s recent substantial upgrade in minting capacity they didn’t ignore on upgrading their pool of artistic talent and this is the result.
Scottsdale 2023 $2 Antigua and Barbuda Rum Runner
About this small Rum republic.
Surveyed by Christopher Columbus in 1493 the Islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located on the north corner of the Eastern Caribbean 8 community’s leeward Island chain. Link. Comprised by two main Islands being 40 km apart along with several smaller islands making up a total landmass of 44o sq.km. The highest point is Mt. Obama at 402 meters. Like most Islands of this chain Antigua and Barbuda have many natural features of sandy beaches, picturesque lagoons, harbors, reefs and shoals.
Temperature ranges from 23 °C to 30 °C with an annual average rainfall of 990mm wettest being the months of September to November. These Islands are also subject to seasonal hurricanes often inflicting significant damage on local infrastructure.
Some Basic Statistics;
- Capital; St. Johns, located on Antigua.
- Population; approx. 101,000 as of 2022
- Government; Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
- Monarch; Charles III
- Official Language; English
- Primary Industry; High net worth Tourism
- Total Nominal GDP; $2.6 Billion
Scottsdale 2023 $2 Antigua and Barbuda Rum Runner
More than half of Antigua and Barbuda's GDP is reliant upon it's Tourist sector and the government in St. John’s has invested a lot of development into her resorts since the Covid pandemic, especsially target marketing to the high net worth clientele, and at the same time offering International Banking services along with residency perks like a zero personal Income Tax policy to attract Investment capital. Seems like a few other Island republics are doing the same thing, at least business is competitive.
What caught my eye is the history behind the Antigua Distillery Limited. My original Tack for this post was to track down a few local old Rum stories but I became fascinated by this 92 year old Institution as arguably Antigua and Barbuda’s best export.
The Previous year's 2020 Silver coin
Scottsdale 2020 $2 Antigua and Barbuda Rum Runner
Their Flagship Brand of Rum, 'English Harbor Reserve'
I think this old video is rather tame, but they give you a skill testing question to go to their out-of-date website, otherwise the business is still active.
Scottsdale 2020 $2 Antigua and Barbuda Rum Runner
Perhaps this is why Antigua and Barbuda chose these pirate ship designs of the Scottsdale Rum Runner $2 silver coin. The producers kept English ships and Rum shops supplied with rum long before her independence. While it may be more historically accurate portraying an English Ship the choice of the pirate Rum Runner’s mystique has more of a public appeal.
Antigua Distillery Limited continues to be an Institution of Antigua and Barbuda exporting their Rum products including their International award winning English Harbor Reserve 10 year aged Rum. And they happen to have an exclusive distributor in Vancouver on 1528 Commercial Drive.
If I am in the area, I may just drop in and give this English Harbor Reserve a try assuming the sticker price is not too far out of sorts.
Christmas cheers everyone! 🥃☠️
2018 and 2019 $2 Antigua & Barbuda Rum Runners
Stacking Hive, Precious metals and fun for those dark stormy days!
The #piratesunday tag is the scurvy scheme of Captain 
2024 12 Days of Christmas Wish list posts;
Day 1; 2024 S.S. Tilawa Shipwreck Voyage Silver round.
Day 2; Scottsdale Omnia Type 2 Silver Round.
Day 3; 2022 $2 EC8 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Warship Silver Round.
Day 4 and 5; 2023 and 2022 $2 EC8 Antigua & Barbuda Rum Runner Silver Rounds
References & Sources
Photos are my own shot with an ancient 2018 Samsung SM-A530W or otherwise indicated.
P. Image under Pixabay
W. Wiki Commons
Wiki; Antigua & Barbuda Islands.
☠️🎃 Page Dividers by thekittygirl. ❄️🌞
Cameo Raven Brooch from The Black Wardrobe.
The 2024 Hive 0.999 Silver Round.
Physical precious metals bullion stacking is only a part of my personal overall financial strategy. Meanwhile, collecting numismatics are a different set of objectives and strategy. Please, Do your research before deciding to buying into any bullion or coin products.