By World Coin News February 10, 2010

Virginia McKenna, actress and founder of the Born Free Foundation, visited the Pobjoy Mint Jan. 27 to officially launch a coin to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Austrian naturalist and author Joy Adamson, who is most renowned for her work with Elsa, the lioness she raised from cub to independent female.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Adamson’s book, Born Free, which was made into a film of the same name. McKenna and Bill Travers, who played Joy and George Adamson in the film, established the Born Free Foundation in 1984 to help save animals in captivity.

The $10 proof sterling silver coin, produced on behalf of Sierra Leone, depicts lions on the outer ring. A yellow-colored crystal with the etched image of a lioness is set into the center. The obverse features Sierra Leone’s coat of arms. It is 38.60 mm in diameter, weighs 23.45 grams and has an issue limit is 5,000.

Pobjoy is donating £1 for every coin sold to Born Free’s efforts in Africa.



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