The treasury of the British Antarctic Territory has released (19th March) new cupro-nickel and titanium coins which feature an especially unique type of native species of fish found in and around the Southern Antarctic waters: The Antarctic barbeled plunderfish.
The coins are produced in both titanium and cupro-nickel by the Pobjoy Mint, at their facilities in Surrey, on behalf of the treasury of the British Antarctic Territory. The coins minted in dark blue titanium have undergone a further process to highlight some of the scales on the plunderfish with special ink so some of the design will glow in the dark, as a replication of this fishes’ own ability to emit its own UV properties naturally. The reverse design depicts a single Antarctic barbeled plunderfish as it makes its way to the Antarctic seafloor to forage for a meal. The denomination of TWO POUNDS is placed to the upper-left edge.
The obverse side of the coin features an elegant effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II, which is an exclusive design of the Pobjoy Mint. The issuing authority BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY is placed around the Queen’s likeness as the coin’s legend, along with the year of issue 2021.
Denom. |
Metal |
Weight | Diameter | Quality |
Maximum Mintage |
Two pounds |
Titanium |
10 g | 36.1 mm | Uncirculated |
5,000 |
Two pounds |
Cupro-nickel |
28.2 g | 38.6 mm | Brilliant Unc. |
10,000 |
Because of the technical complexity of striking titanium coins and the fact that titanium reacts differently with every strike, each Antarctic barbeled plunderfish coin is technically different from the other. There is also a lined or trait effect present on the coins that is unique to this metal. Each titanium coin is protected by an acrylic capsule and presented in a custom red case, and includes a certificate of authenticity.
The Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel coin is shipped in a micro-fibre protective cloth pouch. For additional information about these coins and other coins released by the British Antarctic Territory, please visit the website of the Pobjoy Mint.
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