The first coin in this series features the Chinstrap Penguin, named after the band of dark feathers under its chin, which looks like a strap keeping their hat on. The largest colony on the uninhabited South Sandwich Islands of Zavodovski hosts approximately 1.2 million breeding pairs of Chinstrap Penguins.
The Gentoo penguin is easily recognisable by the wide white stripe which extends across its head like a bonnet. No one knows where the name ‘Gentoo’ comes from but they do live up to their Latin name Pygoscelis which means brush-tailed. The Gentoo has the most prominent tail of all penguins which sticks out behind and sweeps from side to side as they walk.
At first glance, the King Penguin appears to be very similar to the closely related Emperor Penguin. However, the King Penguin can be distinguished from its relative by a solid bright orange patch on the cheek which contrasts with their dark feathers. The King Penguin is the 2nd largest species of penguin in the world and over half a million pairs inhabit in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
The Macaroni Penguin was given its name by early English explorers who compare the orange/yellow plume feathers of the Macaroni Penguin to the feathers found in a hat known as a "Macaroni". These orange feathers make this penguin stand out from the rest as they provide a striking contrast against the penguins' environment.
This stunning new series is available in Cupro Nickel Diamond Finish with each Penguin being portrayed in colour. A certificate of authenticity will also be provided with each coin. The obverse of the coin features the Pobjoy Mint Exclusive Effigy of Her Majesty Quen Elizabeth II.
