The British Antarctic Territory is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Our latest coin release features the Barbeled Antarctic Plunderfish (Artedidraco skottsberg) which is found in the waters around the Antarctic continent from the near-shore to depths exceeding 600m. It is one of around 25 species of small predatory fish in the family Artedidraconidae…
As part of a regular series on the meaning of place names in the Territory, this latest edition focuses on Irish inspired Antarctic place names. On 17 March, St Patrick’s Day, 2021 there are at least 75 names in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands named for 45 persons of Irish birth. The names date from…
2020 marked 200 years since the discovery of the Antarctic continent. To celebrate this, we launched a stamp design competition for children aged 4 – 17 years, based on the theme of “Discovering Antarctica”. We were delighted to see such strong interest and enthusiasm, with so many creative and impressive designs submitted. A panel of…
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 have released a new £2 coin for 2021 featuring a map of Antarctica with four Emperor Penguins standing on the land. …
The latest edition of the British Antarctic Territory Gazette has been published. This sanctions edition covers December 2020 to January 2021 and is an important record of all Orders of Council for this period. Read the latest Gazette in full
To commemorate the Centenary of William Speirs Bruce who led the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (1902-1904), Pobjoy Mint have released a new 50p coin for 2021 depicting Bruce’s ship, Scotia. William Speirs Bruce was a British naturalist, polar scientist and oceanographer who organised and led the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition to the South Orkney Islands…
In the year which marks the 180-year anniversary of the arrival of HMS Terror in Antarctica, Pobjoy Mint have released a new 50p coin depicting this tall ship for 2021. HMS Terror was converted into a polar exploration ship in the mid-1830s. Her solid construction made her ideally suited for use in the dangerous sea…
Pobjoy Mint have released a new £1 coin highlighting Climate Change on our behalf. The Antarctic is a crucial part of the Earth’s climate system and a sensitive barometer of environmental change. The UK’s efforts in Antarctic science are led by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and their scientific research strategy is focused on improving…
2020 marks the 200th Anniversary of the discovery of the Antarctic continent, an incredible environment that is full of life both above and below the ocean. The UK has a long and proud history in Antarctica and plays a leading role in protecting and studying the continent. The British Antarctic Territory forms the largest and…
Adaptations of polar seabirds for survival in their extreme environment include dense plumage for insulation and a countercurrent heat exchange system to stop their feet freezing. All species in this stamp issue breed at very high latitudes, and three of them – the snow petrel, Antarctic petrel and south polar skua – are recorded visiting…
