Pobjoy Mint — British Antarctic Territory: New £2 coin launches bicentenary of birth of noted astronomer Sir William Herschel

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To mark the bicentenary of Sir William Herschel’s death, the treasury of the British Antarctic Territory is releasing the first coin in a series of five, each showing a constellation from the Bayer Family.

The bi-metallic and sterling silver Proof coins are produced by the Pobjoy Mint at their facilities in Surrey, England, on behalf of the treasury of the British Antarctic Territory. The reverse side design features the Apus Constellation, which is represented by a bird of paradise in flight, the image of which is featured. The constellation itself is shown beneath the bird and a compass as it would read in Antarctica. The text included reads SOUTHERN CONSTELLATIONS shown to the upper-right edge with the denomination £2 seen below the primary design. The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which is an exclusive design of the Pobjoy Mint. The year of issue 2022 is included just under the Queen’s likeness.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
Two pounds	Bi-metallic	12 g	28.4 mm	Brilliant Unc.	2,000
Two pounds	.925 Silver	12 g	28.4 mm	Proof with gold plating	175

The Brilliant Uncirculated diamond finish bi-metallic coins are presented in a blister-pak type folder with illustrations and informative text. The silver Proof coins are plated in pure gold with Goldclad, encapsulated, and presented in a custom case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about these and other coins issued by the treasury of the British Antarctic Territory, please visit here for the bi-metallic coins or here for the silver Proof coins.

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