2016-12-10 Sat

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands issued a new coin belonging to the colour-tinted titanium series on 6th December featuring the southern elephant seal. This is one of the two remaining species of elephant seals, the largest Antarctic seal, the largest fin-footed animal and the largest living carnivore today.

The elephant seal is called so because of its huge size. They make loud roaring noises mostly during the mating season. The male southern elephant seal is bigger than females. They can move around quickly on land as well. Currently, more than 400,000 seals reside in South Atlantic, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina.

Elephant seals can stay on land for the longest periods of time by remaining dry for several weeks together. They were almost extinct in the 19th century due to excessive hunting, but the numbers have increased over time. Recently though, as of 2002 two of the three major populations were declining due to unknown reasons.

The reverse features a male and female elephant seal on a beach. The obverse features a Pobjoy Mint exclusive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The mintage limit of the £2 Titanium 10.0 BU coin is 7,500, that of £2 Cupro-nickel 28.2 g BU coin is 10,000 and that of £2 .925 silver 28.2 g Proof coin is 2,000.