Coat of Arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

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The Coat of Arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands was granted in 1985, upon the creation of the territory. Prior to 1985, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands were a dependancy of the Falkland Islands, and used their coat of arms. However prior to 1962, the Islands were grouped with what is now the British Antarctic Territory and their coat of arms were used instead of the Falkland Islands' arms.

The Arms consist of a shield containing a golden lion rampant holding a torch, representing the United Kingdom and discovery. The background of the shield is blue and white estoiles, from the arms of James Cook who discovered the Islands. The supporters are a fur seal and a Macaroni Penguin, both animals native to the Islands. The crest is a reindeer, from the two herds of reindeer found on South Georgia Island. The seal stands on a mountain, while the penguin stands on ice.

The motto is Leo Terram Propriam Protegat (Latin: The Lion protects his own land)

The Coat of Arms are used in the fly of the Flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and as a crest in the defaced Union Flag of the Civil Commissioner

Coat of Arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

See also