Beautiful new £2 coin issued by the Pobjoy Mint on behalf of the British Antarctic Territory commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Antarctic treaty’s protocol on environmental protection. The mintage of the coin in base metal is 3,750 and the proof fine silver with Goldclad® surround with a small issue is limited to only 275.
The Antarctic Treaty
The Antarctic Treaty is recognized as one of the most successful international agreements, setting an example of peaceful cooperation. 2021 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty which provides for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment. Pobjoy Mint is therefore delighted to announce the release of this beautiful new £2 coin on behalf of the British Antarctic Territory to commemorate this anniversary.
The Protocol was signed in Madrid on 4th 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.
Protection of native flora and fauna has been a concern for the Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty since the beginning. Article 3.2 of the Environmental Protocol provides that activities to be undertaken in Antarctica shall be planned and conducted as to avoid “detrimental changes in the distribution, abundance or productivity of species or population of species of fauna & flora” and “further jeopardy to endangered or threatened species or populations of such species”. Annex II to the Protocol sets out specific measures to give effect to this and provides several different mechanisms to protect Antarctic species including: the prohibition of taking (removing) and of harmful interference, except in accordance with a permit; restrictions on the introduction of non-native species, except in accordance with a permit; and the designation of Specially Protected Species.
The coin features a delightful Ross Seal with its pup which is a species which is specifically mentioned in Annex II (Flora & Fauna) of the Protocol and therefore a perfect choice to depict on this stunning new £2 coin. The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II produced exclusively by Pobjoy Mint.
For further information, visit the website of the British Pobjoy Mint.
The British Antarctic Territory issued some more coins that can be viewed in the database of Cosmos of Collectibles.
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In this National Geographic you can read more on how the climate change affects Antarctica.
Want to see it in a film? Watch this documentary of Deutsche Welle (in English!):
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