Falkland Islands pound

Encyclopedia : F : FA : FAL : Falkland Islands pound

The pound is the currency of the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly abbreviated using the pound sign £, or alternatively FK£ to distinguish it from other pound-denominated currencies. Its ISO 4217 currency code is FKP.

Specific issues of banknotes have been made since 1921, with coins being minted since 1974. The Falklands pound is currently pegged to the British pound at a one-for-one rate and the banknotes of both currencies are used interchangeably on the islands (although only notes printed in the United Kingdom are accepted in Britain itself). Additionally, the Falklands pound is commonly used in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, a separate British overseas territory some 1390 km to the east.

Coins presently in circulation are as follows: 1 penny (copper) | 2 pence (copper) | 5 pence (silver colour) | 10 pence (silver) | 20 pence (silver) | 50 pence (silver) | 1 pound (brass colour) | 2 pounds (silver centre, brass rim)

Banknotes in circulation are: 1 pound (principal colour: blue) | 5 pounds (red) | 10 pounds (green) | 20 pounds (grey) | 50 pounds (blue, green, red combination)

Falklands banknotes feature the same images, differing only in their respective denominations and corresponding colours. On the front side, all notes contain a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, the Falklands' coat of arms, a small map of the islands, and images of two of the islands' main animals, penguins and sealions. On the back, notes feature pictures of Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley and Government House, the official residence of the Governor of the Falkland Islands.

See also

• Falkland Islands coins