Description
The Falklands war was the last war in which all of Britain’s armed forces were involved: army, navy and air force. It took place when on 2nd April 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands as part of a long-running dispute over ownership of the islands. A British task force was despatched and re-took the islands, the Argentines surrendering on 14th June 1982. This set has been brought together to mark the 40th anniversary (in 2022), and includes three heritage items of significance to those who have an interest in this conflict.
Falkland Islands 1982 Silver‘Liberation’ Crown-sized 50p coin
After British control had been returned in the Falklands, the government there issued a crown-sized coin commemorating Liberation. It featured the stripes of the Union Flag and the Coat of Arms of the islands. Only 25,000 were minted, and that was forty years ago – it’s now quite a tricky coin to secure! The sterling silver Proof quality version is included in this set.
United Kingdom 1982 Silver Twenty Pence – first of its kind
The same year as the Falklands War saw a new coin enter circulation in Britain – the twenty pence. This coin is the first of its kind. The sterling silver Proof quality version is included in this set.
The South Atlantic Military Medal (Duplicate) with Rosette
Those who served in this conflict were entitled to the South Atlantic Service Medal. It was awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the liberation of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, or who served at least 30 days in the operational zone (including Ascension Island) during the period of the war. Recipients of the medal who ‘saw action’ of at least one day in the Falklands or South Georgia were also awarded a rosette which is affixed to the ribbon. The medal included in this set has not been issued to a service person: it is a UK-made duplicate of the kind used if a service person loses their original. By law it has the word COPY in small letters on the reverse side amongst the design so it cannot be confused with an original awarded medal. It is as close as you will get to the Falklands War medal if you didn’t serve there!
