2018-08-08 Wed

Pobjoy Mint started a new five-coin series of colourful copper-nickel coins for the Falkland Islands by releasing a coin featuring a Macaroni penguin. The five coins would depict close-up head shots of the five breeds of Penguins that live in the Islands.

The macaroni penguin has golden crests of plumage that start at its forehead’s centre and end above their eyes. It is one of six species of crested penguins that are generally found in the Sub Antarctic to the Antarctic peninsula. It has the largest population when compared to other species but only a few of them are found in the Falkland Islands. These birds cannot fly and its wings are shaped to suit their marine lifestyle.

The Falkland Islands are called the penguin capital of the world. However, penguins were attacked here for oil and skin in the 18th century. A lot of conservation efforts have been undertaken to create more awareness and the situation has become much better over the years.

The obverse features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The 8 grams coin has a diameter of 27.3 millimetres, a mintage limit of 7,500 pieces and can be purchased for $14.95. A new collector’s album holds the coins with an image of king penguins and vital information on each breed.

Image Courtesy: Pobjoy Mint