This second commemorative coin for the British Antarctic Territory celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty.

The treaty was signed in December 1959 by 12 countries and entered into force in 1961 – the UK being the first state to ratify.

There are currently 48 state parties and the treaty set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation and banned military activity on the continent.

The design of this coin fits the cause and real aim of the treaty. The background features a map of the Antarctic which is surrounded by beautifully detailed images of the marine life that inhabit the area and which the Antarctic Treaty System aims to preserve.

The marine life featured on the coin are; the Albatross, the Blue Whale, an Emperor Penguin and an Elephant Seal.

Silver proof coin weighs 28.28 grams

38.6 mm diameter

only 5000 issued

capsule n certificate included

Pobjoy Mint was established in the middle ages in Great Britain and today makes superior coins for special commemoratives and for governments.

Pobjoy has reputation as top coin designer and coin dieing techniques and for top quality packaging.

The Pobjoy family has been associated with fine metalwork since the Middle Ages. The Company was recently granted permission to use the family Coat of Arms in which the Medieval Popinjay is the central motif. The Popinjay was a painted wooden parrot used in archery contests in the 14th century and the name Pobjoy is derived from this. The Latin motto 'OCULO CERTO' means 'with an unerring eye' and applies equally to the ancestor's prowess as a marksman, as to the Company's reputation for the high quality and precision of its products. Over the past three centuries, the Company has been involved in many diverse fields, but they have always been involved in metal, both base and precious. During World War II Pobjoy Aero Engineering was involved in the manufacturing of the famous Spitfire wings. The Company is now the largest private Mint in Europe.