TWO NEW COINS TO MARK ANTARCTICA ANNIVERSARY

Pobjoy Mint has announced plans to release two new coins on behalf of the British Antarctic Territory to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, with the first design now available.

The Antarctic Treaty is recognised as one of the most successful international agreements, setting an example of peaceful cooperation. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty which provides for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment. The Protocol was signed in Madrid on 4 October 1991 and entered into force in 1998. It designates Antarctica as a ‘natural reserve, devoted to peace and science’. Article 3 of the Environmental Protocol sets out basic principles applicable to human activities in Antarctica and Article 7 prohibits all activities relating to Antarctic mineral resources, except for scientific purposes.

The first coin, with a £2 denomination, features a Ross Seal with its pup, a species which is specifically mentioned in Annex II (Flora & Fauna) of the Protocol. The obverse of the coin features an effigy of

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II produced exclusively by Pobjoy Mint. The bi-metal coin is available for £16.95 with a mintage of 3,750, and 275 copies of the silver version are available at £67.50.

A second coin is set to be released later in the year and will feature Emperor Penguins. the coin will be be available as a twelve-sided bi-metal £1 coin.