Falkland Islands 1980 2 pence

formerly in the Mountain Groan Collection

The specimen shown is an example of a type struck for the Falkland Islands 1974, 1980-87 and 1992. The Magellan Goose on the reverse is native to the area and substantially outnumbers the humans. Far more coins are in collectors' hands than can possibly be in local circulation. The Falkland Islands, off the coast of Argentina in the south Atlantic Ocean, last made the news in 1982, when Argentina attempted to conquer the islands but were ousted by Her Majesty's Armed Forces. The islands remain a British dependency.

Recorded mintage: unknown plus 10,000 proofs.

Specification: 7.12 g, bronze, 25.91 mm diameter, reverse designed by William Gardner.

Catalog reference: KM 3.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.

Link to:

• 1980 penny
• 1983 50 pence, 150th anniversary of British rule
• 1992 penny
• Coins and currency dated 1980