Pobjoy Mint releases latest in Falkland Islands Penguin series
- Penguins in full color with collector’s album!
- Cupro Nickel Diamond Finish 50 pence coin
- Low mintage of 7,500!
- First 50 pence of a 4 coin set to be minted in 2017
The Coin
As it has been almost 10 years since Pobjoy Mint has produced currency for the Falkland Islands so we felt that we needed to do something special! The Falkland Islands refer to themselves as the penguin capital of the world as more than one million penguins nest on the Islands. Therefore, in 2017, Pobjoy will mint a set of four beautiful Indigenous penguins in color on 50 pence pieces. We are also producing a collector’s pack to unite the set which sets the coins around a bait ball!
The reverse features an adult Rockhopper, a quirky penguin with a signature hairstyle making this coin attractive to animal lovers and numismatics alike. The Rockhopper is depicted with its wings raised, poised in a position the penguin takes before it hops. The obverse features a new and exclusive effigy design of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Behind the Coin
Rockhopper Penguins are remarkable creatures reaching about half a meter tall and weighing no more than 2.7kg. These tiny penguins take their name from the rocky shore-lines where they nest in tall grasses called tussocks. The Rockhopper in appearance looks similar to other penguins but are easily distinguishable by the black and yellow spikey plume upon their heads. When you look closer you can see a few other differences, including red eyes and pink webbed feet.
Indigenous to the Falklands these penguins live on a diet of krill and small crustaceans and sometimes go hunting for days at a time. They can dive to depths of 100 meters to catch their prey and stay down for several minutes without taking a breath. When Rockhoppers come back to shore they often have to navigate their way up a cliff face; they either climb or ride a wave and try to land at the top. This can be incredibly dangerous for the penguin as sharp rocks and pounding waves can maim and even kill!
Despite the Rockhopper being one of the world’s most numerous penguins, the number of Rockhopper has decreased by 90% since the early 20th century and they are now considered ‘Vulnerable’. This is most probably due to human activity such as overfishing and pollution damaging their food supply.
Order & Delivery Notes
Presentation
We have produced a collector’s album (sold separately) for this set of colored penguins that shows the penguins around a bait ball. It also gives important facts and information about the individual penguins.
Coin Specifications
Make sure to visit the Pobjoy Mint’s CoinWeek Page for more product information and offers
Related Content about the Pobjoy Mint
httpvh://youtu.be/oz9cmQVf4YE
Titanium Coins Currently Available on eBay
[wpebayads]
