2021 Antarctic Treaty £2 Silver Proof

Description

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the entry into force of the Antarctic Treaty – recognised as one of the most successful international agreements, setting an example of peaceful cooperation. Pobjoy Mint is therefore delighted to announce the release of this beautiful new £2 coin on behalf of the British Antarctic Territory to commemorate this anniversary. There are very few places on this planet where there has never been war, where the environment is fully protected and where priority has been given to scientific research. Antarctica is one such place, a whole continent that the Treaty Parties have designated as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science”. Originally signed on 1 st December 1959 in Washington by the twelve nations that were active in Antarctic science at the time, the Treaty came into force on 23 rd June 1961. It has since been acceded to by many other nations, and there are now 54 Parties to the Treaty.