1 Crown - Elizabeth II (World Cup France - tackling for ball; Silver Proof)

This silver proof coin was issued by the Isle of Man in 1998 to commemorate the FIFA World Cup held in France that year. As a self-governing British Crown Dependency, the Isle of Man frequently issues commemorative coinage through the Pobjoy Mint, focusing on global sporting events and cultural milestones to appeal to international collectors. The choice of the 1998 tournament was significant, as it marked the expansion of the competition to thirty-two teams, reflecting the growing global popularity of the sport at the end of the millennium.

The design of the coin features an active scene of players tackling for the ball, captured in the fine detail typical of silver proof issues. The Pobjoy Mint, responsible for the production, emphasized high-relief engraving to create a sense of motion on the concave surface. While the design was intended as a celebratory tribute to football heritage, such commemorative crowns are generally regarded as numismatic collectibles rather than circulation currency, receiving modest interest primarily among enthusiasts of sports-themed coins and Commonwealth issues.