Falkland Islands 10-PENCE (KM5.2)¶
-
Reverse SOUTHERN SEA LION
-
Obverse Queen Elizabeth II
- Composition
- Copper-Nickel
- Country
- Falkland Islands
- Approx. Size
- 24mm
- Area
- South America
- Animal Class
- Mammals
- Species
- Southern Sea Lion
- KM#
- 5
The animal on this coin is referred to in coin books and many coin sites as an "Ursine Seal" which translates to "Fur Seal." Wikipedia lists the animal on the coin as a Fur Seal on this page. The Zoo Keeper is fairly confident that this is incorrect, and in fact the animal pictured is a South American Sea Lion (aka Southern Sea Lion). The original design was issued in 1974 (KM#5.1), and this smaller version was first issued in 1998 (KM#5.2).
Falkland Islands¶
- Area
- South America
The Falkland Islands are located on the continental shelf off the east coast of the tip of South America. There are two main islands, called East Falkland and West Falkland and a bunch of other smaller islands. France, Spain, the UK and Argentina have tussled over ownership of the islands since they were discovered over 400 years ago. Pretty much all of them claimed to have discovered them first. France and Spain dropped out of the ring long ago, leaving the UK in possession and Argentina claiming their sovereignty over the islands.Argentina occupied the islands in 1982, leading to a month long war with the UK before they surrendered. Since the war, British military spending has become a major part of the Falkland Islands economy, along with farming and fishing. As of 2003 the population was less than 3,000 people. Reportedly, most of these people wish to remain British citizens. Many areas of the island are still filled with land mines and ordnance from the Falkland War. If you visit, be sure to pick up a free map from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) office in Stanley, West Falkland, detailing where not to step.
