Two Kings, Five Penguins, and a Nation’s Story: The New Falkland Islands Pound Notes
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Two Kings, Five Penguins, and a Nation’s Story: The New Falkland Islands Pound Notes
After four decades of quiet, the Falkland Islands has unveiled a stunning new series of banknotes—and they’re anything but ordinary.
A Royal Refresh
The new polymer £5, £10, and £20 notes feature King Charles III, marking the first time his portrait appears on Falklands currency. But he’s not the only monarch on display—sharing the spotlight is the King Penguin, proudly perched in the transparent window. It’s a playful nod to the islands’ wildlife royalty.
Nature Takes Center Stage
Gone are the stiff colonial motifs. In their place:
Black-browed albatrosses soaring across the front
Steeple Jason Island and the national flower, the Pale Maiden, blooming on the reverse
A parade of five penguin species, illustrated with warmth and precision
These designs were born from a public consultation, where locals voted overwhelmingly for native flora and fauna to represent their identity
Security Meets Storytelling
Crafted by De La Rue, the notes boast cutting-edge features:
Raised ink and UV-reactive patterns
Iridescent inks and infrared designs
A repeating floral motif that connects across notes when placed side by side
It’s not just currency—it’s a collectible canvas.
🎉 A Launch Worth Celebrating
The notes debuted at the Historic Dockyard Museum on Falklands Day, August 14, 2025. An auction of special serial numbers raised nearly £7,000 for local charities. Serial 1982—marking Liberation Day—was donated to the museum, preserving the emotional resonance of the release.
🕰️ What’s Next?
The old cotton notes, last printed in the 1980s, will remain in circulation until mid-2026. The £50 note won’t be redesigned—there’s enough stock to last another 90 years.
Whether you're a collector, a wildlife lover, or a fan of royal transitions, these new Falkland notes are a vivid reminder that currency can be more than money—it can be memory.
