South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands 2013 - Centenary of Grytviken Church - Cupro Nickel Coin

The obverse of this commemorative coin carries an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. Ian Rank-Broadley is one of the foremost sculptors working today. His effigy of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on all UK coinage since 1998 and the Pobjoy Mint has exclusive use of the ‘uncouped’ effigy that appears on the obverse of these collector’s coins.

Grytviken Whalers’ Church Celebrates 100 Years

The consecration of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Grytviken took place on Christmas Day in 1913. Built on the initiative of Carl Anton Larsen, the founder and first manager of the whaling station, this wooden church was designed by Larsen’s son-in-law and pre-fabricated in Strømmen, Norway.

Built in the typical Norwegian style, the white wooden church at Grytviken is one of the most southern churches in the world. It enjoyed a cameo appearance in the popular animated film ‘Happy Feet’ and is also better known as being the final resting place for the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton who was buried at Grytviken in 1922.

Whilst the church was used sporadically during the whaling years it is now one of the main attractions when visiting Grytviken. The building’s structure was completely restored in 1995 and today it is annually decorated during the Christmas period when passengers from cruise ships and crews of naval vessels hold carol services.

An exceptional celebration of such a unique place, this commemorative Uncirculated Cupro Nickel edition comes in a stunning presentation pouch.