12 April 2022
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This year marks the 40th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands and to mark this significant historical event, Pobjoy Mint are proud to announce the release of a brand new £2 coin, produced on behalf of the Falkland Islands Government.
Liberation Day takes place on the 14th June and commemorates the end of the occupation of the Falkland Islands by Argentina in 1982. Islanders gather at Christ Church Cathedral to mark the occasion with a thanksgiving service, followed by wreath laying at the Liberation Monument and a military parade.
The day is a public holiday in the Falkland Islands.
This collector's coin is a £2 piece and features the official 40th Anniversary of Liberation emblem (also known as Falklands 40th) which comprises the number '40' with the Union Jack and incorporates various aspects of life on the Falkland Islands.
2022 has been named the “Looking Forward at Forty” year, a special way of making it a time to reflect on the achievements that have been made with their hard-won freedom, and to look forward to the next 40 years of life in the Falkland Islands.
A number of events will take place throughout the year in the Falkland Islands and the UK, to commemorate the sacrifices made in 1982, and to celebrate the progress made in the Islands over the past 40 years.
The long running dispute between Britain and Argentina over the ownership of the Falkland Islands was brought to a head on the 19th March 1982 when 50 Argentines landed and hoisted their flag.
Under the order of Galtieri, President of Argentina, the invasion of the Falkland Islands was declared on 2nd April which triggered the start of the War.
The British Government then lead by Margaret Thatcher responded to this attack by sending a large task force to recapture the Islands. The Campaign launched by Margaret Thatcher, which probably initiated her nickname of the ‘Iron Lady’, was one of the most memorable events in post-war British History, in which British Forces operated 8,000 miles from home and in terrible conditions.
Nearly 1,000 people lost their lives during the 74 day conflict but the War was brought to an end on 14th June, with the surrender of Argentina and the announcement of Britain as the victor.
The obverse of the coin is an Effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II produced exclusively by Pobjoy Mint.
