Falkland Islands: Remembering liberation 35 years ago with new silver coin

The government and Treasury of the Falkland Islands have issued (6th June) two new coins which pay tribute to the liberation of the Falklands and South Georgia Island after the territories were invaded by the armed forces of the Argentine republic.

The long-running dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the ownership of the Falkland Islands was brought to a head on the 19th March 1982, when 50 Argentinians landed on South Georgia Island and hoisted their flag. Under the orders of Leopoldo Galtieri, president of Argentina from the 22nd December 1981 to the 18th June 1982 during the last military dictatorship, the invasion of the Falkland Islands was declared on the 2nd April, which triggered the start of the war.

The British government, headed by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, swiftly responded to this attack with an effort to recapture the islands by sending in a large task force (which included Queen Elizabeth II’s second-eldest son, Prince Andrew, who personally fought in the battle). The campaign launched by Margaret Thatcher, which probably initiated her nickname of the “Iron Lady,” was one of the most memorable events in postwar British history, with British forces operating 8,000 miles from home and in harsh, hostile conditions. Almost 1,000 people lost their lives during the 74 day conflict, but the war was brought to an end on the 14th June, with the surrender of Argentina and the announcement of the United Kingdom as the victor. Many veterans and next of kin of those who paid the ultimate price for liberating the islands have visited over the past 35 years.

Struck by the Pobjoy Mint, United Kingdom, on behalf of the Treasury of the Falkland Islands, the coins are issued in two metals, with colour and non-colour options for both. The reverse design depicts, in the background at left, the silhouette of a soldier poised in thought whilst standing over the grave of a fallen comrade. To the right, in the foreground, is a poppy, the symbol of remembrance. The poppy was produced with great detail, and on the colour coins, multiple shades of red were used in order to bring it to life. At upper left, above the soldier, is the phrase Lest we forget, in three lines of script typeface. Below the primary design is the denomination of 1 CROWN.

The obverse features the exclusive Pobjoy Mint effigy which captures Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in high detail. The surrounding legend reads QUEEN ELIZABETH II FALKLAND ISLANDS 2017.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum limit
1 crown	Cupro-nickel	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Brilliant Unc. with applied colour	10,000 pieces, combined
1 crown	Cupro-nickel	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Brilliant Unc.
1 crown	.925 silver	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Proof with applied colour	2,000 pieces, combined
1 crown	.925 silver	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Proof

The 1-crown coins are available in coloured and non-coloured Proof sterling silver, and as coloured and non-coloured Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel. Each silver coin is shipped in an acrylic capsule for protection and housed in a custom red box with a certificate of authenticity. Each cupro-nickel coin is shipped in a blue Pobjoy Mint–branded pouch. Please visit the website of the Pobjoy Mint for more information on these and other coins issued by the Treasury of the Falkland Islands.   ❑