Logo Title
obverse
reverse
Essor Prof
Context
Years: 1998–1999
Country: United Kingdom Country flag
Currency:
(since 1971)
Total mintage: 2,500
Material
Diameter: 20.32 mm
Weight: 3.56 g
Shape: Round
Composition: Steel (Copper-plated Steel)
Magnetic: Yes
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
Obverse
OBVERSE ↑
flip
Reverse
REVERSE ↑
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard2a
Numista: #9406
Value
Exchange value: 0.01 FKP
Inflation-adjusted value: 0.02 FKP

Obverse

Description:
Young Queen Elizabeth II facing right
Inscription:
QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND
Script: Latin
Engraver: Arnold Machin

Reverse

Description:
Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua), denomination below.
Inscription:
FALKLAND ISLANDS

1

WG

1998
Script: Latin

Edge

Plain

Categories

Animal> Bird

Mints

NameMark
Royal Mint

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
1998
1999
19992,500Proof

Historical background

In 1998, the currency situation in the Falkland Islands was characterized by a formal and practical reliance on Sterling, but with a distinct local issuance. The official currency was (and remains) the Falkland Islands pound (FKP), which is pegged at par with the British pound sterling (GBP). This meant one FKP always equaled one GBP, creating a stable and predictable monetary environment. The Falkland Islands Government issued its own banknotes and coins, which featured unique local imagery, but these were not legal tender in the United Kingdom itself.

Economically, this peg provided crucial stability for a small, isolated economy heavily dependent on fishing licenses (particularly for Illex squid) and, to a lesser extent, wool and tourism. It eliminated exchange rate risk for trade and reinforced financial links with the United Kingdom, which was the territory's main source of imports, government funding, and investment. Both UK sterling and Falkland notes circulated interchangeably on the islands, though the local issue was more common in daily use.

The year 1998 fell within a period of consolidation following the economic transformation brought by the establishment of the Fisheries Conservation Zone in 1986. The stable currency regime underpinned government revenue and development projects. There was no serious debate about altering the peg, as it was seen as fundamental to economic confidence. The situation reflected the islands' unique political status as a British Overseas Territory, with a high degree of internal self-government but with sterling providing an anchor of monetary stability.

Series: 1998 Falkland Islands circulation coins

50 Pence obverse
50 Pence reverse
50 Pence
1998-1999
1 Penny obverse
1 Penny reverse
1 Penny
1998-1999
2 Pence obverse
2 Pence reverse
2 Pence
1998-1999
5 Pence obverse
5 Pence reverse
5 Pence
1998-1999
10 Pence obverse
10 Pence reverse
10 Pence
1998-1999
🌱 Very Common