The British Pobjoy Mint’s long love affair with the penguin continues with the release of the second of four 50p coins in their 2020 collection. These collections originated in 2017 with a 4-coin set issued for the Falkland Islands, followed by a similar set of 5 the following year. In 2019, they moved to the British Antarctic Territory, and this years set of four are issued for South Georgia & the Sandwich Islands. In all cases, it’s great to see issues for the subjects native habitat.

This issue follows the earlier Chinstrap Penguin and showcases the Gentoo. These are 50 pence coins, so employ that distinctive seven-sided format. A proof silver of 8 grams weight is the one we’re most interested in, but the coloured base-metal coin is probably a far easier and cheaper way to get a set together as they’re also available for sale in a neat themed collectors album, although that can also be purchased seperately for the silver variants. The silver coins do come packaged in an attractive solid acrylic frame, however, so the choice is yours.

The 2020 collection has a tiny silver mintage of just 199 pieces, with the coloured cupro-nickel capped at 2,500. Including VAT, the prices are £55 and £12.95 respectively, with the album just £5. Available to order now, they will ship from 10 August. An obvious favourite from Pobjoy, the penguin range will continue through 2020 with the Macaroni and King Penguins.

LINKS: PREVIOUS COIN IN THE SERIES