2017-04-15 Sat

The Falkland Islands are known as the penguin capital of the world and are home to more than one million penguins. Pobjoy will be releasing four 50 pence coins featuring four different penguins in colour. A set of these four coins will also be offered.

The reverse depicts Rockhopper known for a unique hairstyle, with wings raised, almost about to hop. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This Diamond Finish Cupro-Nickel 8.00 g coin has a mintage limit of 7,500.

Rockhopper Penguins are half-meter tall and weigh 2.7kg. They build their nests in tall grasses called tussocks in the rocky shorelines. They look different from other penguins and can be identified by black and yellow spiky plume on their heads. They also have red eyes and pink webbed feet, unlike other types of penguins.

They feed on krill and small crustaceans and go hunting for days at a time on some occasions. They can dive up to 100 meters underwater and stay there for many minutes. They either climb or ride a wave as they try to land at the top of cliffs. This action can sometimes badly injure them or even kill them. Activities like overfishing and pollution have reduced their food supply making them more vulnerable.