2019-03-02 Sat

Pobjoy Mint released a new £2 red-coloured titanium coin featuring a red-footed booby with its chick on the reverse side for British Indian Ocean Territory. The obverse side depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Every titanium coin is unique in colour as the metal reacts differently, each time the coin is struck. Due to the unique properties of the metal, the coins feature a lined effect. An uncirculated copper-nickel version of the coin is also available.

The 10 grams titanium coin has a diameter of 36.1 millimetres and a mintage limit of 7,500 pieces while the 28.28 grams copper-nickel coin has a diameter of 38.6 millimetres and a mintage limit of 10,000 pieces. The titanium coin can be bought for $49 while the copper-nickel coin can be purchased for $15.95.

The red-footed booby is a huge seabird with red feet and is generally seen in tropical areas. It’s the smallest bird from the booby family and can grow up to 70 centimetres. Although they can fly and swim very well, their take-off and landing skills are a bit weak. They breed on islands and lay eggs in shoreline trees or shrubs. They are mostly seen in the sea when they are not breeding. It is hard to find them in regions beyond their breeding zones on land.

Image Courtesy: The Pobjoy Mint