31 August 2018
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New 50p depicts Autonomous Underwater Vehicle known as 'Boaty McBoatface'
Collectors might not be surprised to discover that the first ever 50p coin from the British Antarctic Territory shows a research vessel pictured amongst the icebergs, but they may be slightly taken aback by the name of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Boaty McBoatface.
The unusual, if slightly amusing title is the result of a campaign to name the United Kingdom’s new polar research ship.
The throwaway suggestion of ‘Boaty McBoatface’ served as a warning to any other organisations thinking of asking for public opinion and despite being the clear winner the name suggested was not thought suitable for the state of the art research ship, which was eventually named RRS Sir David Attenborough.
However, fans of the less serious name will be pleased to learn that the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) which will be carried on the research ship will now carry the name Boaty McBoatface.
The small AUV, which is able to reach depths of 6,000 metres and has a range of 6,000km, is shown on the reverse of the coin, with icebergs and penguins in the background.
The coin is available in cupro-nickel diamond finish with Boaty McBoatface being portrayed in colour and has an issue limit of 6,000. The coin retails at £14.95.
Find out more at www.pobjoy.com
