Pobjoy Mint is delighted to announce the third coin release in the stunning Turtles 50p series on behalf of British Indian Ocean Territory. The third coin in the series of five coins features the Leatherback Turtle.
Sea turtles have an amazing ability to navigate back to the area where they were born. Although these reptiles can be short sighted on land, underwater they have an excellent vision and can hold their breath for long periods.
The Leatherback Turtle is the largest of the sea turtle species and is easily identified by its lack of bony shell. Instead its body is covered by a layer of tough, rubbery skin which is strengthened with thousands of tiny bone plate which resemble a jigsaw puzzle.
Adults can grow to over 2 metres in length and weigh up to 900kg. It is estimated the population of the female Leatherback turtles is only between 30,000 and 40,000 meaning the species is considered as vulnerable. The design on the coin itself features a Leatherback Turtle posed in a diving position swimming in the ocean.
The wording ‘LEATHERBACK TURTLE’ appears on the coin with the 50 pence denomination incused at the bottom of the coin. The obverse of the coin features the Pobjoy Mint exclusive effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is available in Cupro Nickel Diamond Finish with the Turtle portrayed in colour.
