Ascension Island – Queen Elizabeth II – 60th Anniversary – Crown – 2011 – Brilliant Uncirculated – Ascension Island is an isolated volcanic island in the equatorial waters of the South Atlantic Ocean, 994 miles from the coast of Africa and 1,398 miles from the coast of South America which is roughly midway between the horn of South America and Africa. It is politically organized and governed as part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Its capital is Georgetown and it has a population of approximately 880 inhabitants. Historically, it has played a role as an important safe haven and coaling station to mariners and for commercial airliners during the days of international air travel by flying boats. During World War II it was an important naval and air station, especially providing antisubmarine warfare bases in the Battle of the Atlantic and throughout the war.