2102) 30 Years of Environmental Protection of the Antarctic, British Antarctic Territory (BAT): Two variants of a £2 (Two Pound) Bimetallic and Silver Coin celebrate 12 countries protecting the Territory: Year of Coin issue: 2021:

2102) 30 Years of Environmental Protection of the Antarctic, British Antarctic Territory (BAT): Two variants of a  £2 (Two Pound) Bimetallic and Silver Coin celebrate 12 countries protecting the Territory: Year of Coin issue: 2021:

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8) 30 Years of Environmental Protection of the Antarctic, British Antarctic Territory (BAT): Two variants of a 2 Pound Bimetallic and Silver Coin celebrate 12 countries protecting the Territory: Year of Coin issue: 2021

This British Antarctic Territory bi-metallic/Silver Two Pound Coin celebrates twelve countries protecting one continent for 30 years through the Antarctic Treaty.

The Antarctic Treaty:

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.

The Antarctic Treaty is recognized as one of the most successful international agreements, setting an example of peaceful cooperation for the benefit of all. 

The Protocol on Environmental Protection is a purely 20th century document. 

Nearly a dozen nations have agreed to its constraints. The Treaty was signed in Madrid on Oct. 4, 1991 and entered into force in 1998. 

It designates Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science". 

Article 3 of the 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:

Pobjoy Mint, UK has issued two  new £2 coins on behalf of the British Antarctic Territory to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. 

The base metal bi-metallic strike is offered in special educational packaging, while the silver strike with gilding will come in a plush red box with a packing sleeve offering the same graphics as the card.

On the Reverse of the £2 (2 Pound) Coin is featured The Ross Seal and its pup make an endearing image for the success of the Antarctic Treaty. 

The Ross Seal species is specifically mentioned in Annex II (Flora & Fauna) of the Protocol and is a perfect choice to depict on the 30th Anniversary coins with "30 Years of Environmental Protection" (is inscribed on the outer periphery).

The Obverse of the £2  (2 Pound) Coin depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II developed exclusively by Pobjoy Mint.

Struck in bi-metallic base metal and fine silver proof, the 30th Anniversary of the Protocol on Environmental Protection coins are limited to mintages of 3,750 and 275 respectively. 

The specifications of this Coin are:

Country of issue: British Antarctic Territory (BAT); Year: 2021; Denomination/Face Value: Two Pounds; Metal Composition: Silver and Bimetallic; Weight: 12.00 grams; Diameter/Size: 28.40 mm; Mintage: Silver: 275 pieces, Bimetallic: 3,750 pieces; Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes.

Presentation: The bimetallic coin is presented in a special presentation pack that incorporates the Certificate of Authenticity. 

The fine silver £2 coin is presented in a box complemented with a sleeve using the special design that incorporates the Certificate of Authenticity (COA).