A Barbary macaque in a Christmas hat against the Rock of Gibraltar is the design of Gibraltar’s festive 2 pounds of 2021. The choice of hero is easy to understand: Gibraltar’s macaques are the only wild monkey population on the European continent.

Gibraltar has issued Christmas coins since 1988, when the first festive 50 pence appeared, and the tradition continues here in the 2 pounds denomination. The reverse reads «CHRISTMAS TWO POUNDS», and the obverse carries Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem with a Latin legend.

With its pale centre in a yellow ring, this bimetallic coin fits a collection of Christmas coins of the world, a wildlife-on-coins set or a run of Gibraltar bimetallics, and as a seasonal gift it needs no explanation. UNC grade: never circulated, no wear, mint lustre preserved.

Collecting a date run? Look for the neighbouring years of this type in the VPcoins catalogue.