Falkland Islands, 2017 Fifty Pence "MAGELLANIC" Penguin, Coloured Cupro-Nickel Diamond Finish, in Capsule UNC

Fourth and final issue of the penguins series, Magellanic penguin, issued by the Pobjoy Mint in a blue pouch & Certificate of Authenticity. The Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus Magellanicus), named after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, is a penguin indigenous to the Falkland Islands, where they nest in dense flocks. In appearance, they are similar to a Humboldt penguin, with black bodies, white abdomens and with two black bands between the head and the chest. Their heads are black with a white stripe running across their eyebrows. In the wild these penguins can live to around 25 years. Magellanic penguins are monogamous, remaining faithful to one partner throughout their life. They can produce up to two eggs each year with their spouse. Similarly to other penguins, Magellanic penguins take it in turn to incubate their eggs while their partner swims out to sea to feed. Due to fish populations, becoming further and further from penguins nesting grounds their partners are starving whilst they hunt. This, in addition to other environmental issue such as oil spills have resulted in a decline of about 20% in 20 years with some colonies and these penguins are now considered "Near threatened".