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Rugby World Cup £2 Coin

Inner: Cupro-nickel. Outer: Nickel-brass Circulating 1999 £2  Share This Coin:
Rugby World Cup £2 Coin - Reverse - 1999 UK £2 Coin
Price Guide
£2.00
Rarity Score 60

Coin Specifications

Denomination
£2
Year
1999
Metal
Inner: Cupro-nickel. Outer: Nickel-brass
Finish
Circulating
Mintage
4,933,000
Edge
RUGBY WORLD CUP 1999
Obverse
Ian Rank-Broadley
Reverse
Ron Dutton

How much is the Rugby World Cup £2 Coin worth?

As a circulating coin, the Rugby World Cup £2 Coin is worth its face value of £2. However, collectors may pay more for high-grade examples or if the coin is scarce. Check our rarity score to see how sought-after this coin is.

Coin Description

🏉 1999 Rugby World Cup £2 – Quick Summary

At a Glance

  • What it commemorates: The 1999 Rugby World Cup, hosted across the Five Nations with the final in Cardiff.
  • Design: Stadium seen from above, with a rugby ball and goalposts by Ron Dutton; edge inscription reads “RUGBY WORLD CUP 1999”.
  • Specs: Bi-metallic £2 (nickel-brass outer, cupro-nickel inner), 12.00 g, 28.40 mm, milled edge.
  • Mintage: Around 4.93 million struck for circulation, plus a smaller run of BU coins and limited proof issues.
  • Rarity & value: Considered a common modern commemorative £2; most circulated examples are worth around £2 to £3, with higher prices for Brilliant Uncirculated and proof versions.
  • Why collectors like it: Early commemorative bi-metallic £2, strong sporting theme, and a distinctive, easily recognisable design that stands out in any £2 collection.

About This Coin

🏉 1999 Rugby World Cup £2 Coin – Circulating
Bi-metallic £2 coin issued in 1999 to celebrate the Rugby World Cup hosted across the Five Nations, with the final held at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. The design shows a rugby ball and goalposts within a stylised stadium and has become a classic modern sports £2.

Coin Summary & Key Facts

The 1999 Rugby World Cup £2 was struck for general circulation and is still a relatively easy find in change. With a circulation mintage of around 4,933,000, it is classed as a common commemorative £2, usually trading for about face value in normal circulated condition, with a small premium for nicer examples.

📊 Key Figures (Circulating Coin)

Core specifications and reference values for the 1999 Rugby World Cup circulating £2 coin.

Aspect Figure Notes
Denomination £2 (Two Pounds) UK bi-metallic commemorative £2 coin issued for general circulation in 1999.
Metal, weight & diameter Outer ring: Nickel-brass (copper–zinc–nickel)
Inner disc: Cupro-nickel (copper–nickel)
Weight: 12.00 g
Diameter: 28.40 mm 		Standard UK £2 specification with a milled (reeded) edge.
Year of issue 1999 Marks the Rugby World Cup hosted by Wales and played across the Five Nations.
Event Rugby World Cup 1999 Tournament where Australia defeated France 35–12 in the final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Circulation mintage 4,933,000 Official mintage for circulation pieces; considered a common commemorative £2 by mintage.
BU mintage (reference) ≈136,696 BU Approximate total Brilliant Uncirculated coins across all Royal Mint BU products for this design.
Designers Reverse: Ron Dutton
Obverse: Ian Rank-Broadley 		Reverse shows stadium and rugby ball/goalposts; obverse carries the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Edge inscription RUGBY WORLD CUP 1999 The inscription runs around the milled edge in incuse lettering.
Typical value (circulated) Around £2 to £3 Most circulated coins change hands at about face value, with higher-end prices for choice uncirculated or carefully stored examples.
💡 Collector Notes (Circulating Coin)

The Rugby World Cup £2 is one of the earliest commemorative bi-metallic £2 designs and a favourite with sports fans. It’s not rare, but it has strong appeal thanks to the subject and the bold stadium artwork.

  • Commemorative theme: Issued to mark the 1999 Rugby World Cup, with matches hosted across the traditional Five Nations and the final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. The coin ties directly into a major international sporting event.
  • Reverse design: Ron Dutton’s design shows an overhead view of a stadium, with a rugby ball formed by the playing area and prominent goalposts. Additional goalposts around the rim hint at the global reach of the game.
  • Series context: This was the first commemorative bi-metallic £2 following the introduction of the new £2 format in 1998, making it a key piece for anyone building a run of modern £2 designs.
  • Circulated vs collector versions:
    • Circulated: Most examples now show light to moderate wear, especially on the rugby ball and goalposts; these are typically worth about £2.
    • Brilliant Uncirculated (BU): Sold in official BU packs and year sets; these coins have sharper detail and a brighter finish, often selling for several times face value.
    • Proof / precious metal: Silver proof, silver piedfort (with a hologram) and gold proof versions were also issued in much smaller numbers for specialist collectors.
  • Collecting tip: When picking a circulation piece for an album, look for:
    • a clear outline to the rugby ball and goalposts,
    • crisp “TWO POUNDS” and “1999” legends,
    • a readable edge inscription with minimal knocks.
    For BU coins, intact original packaging and clean, lustrous surfaces make a noticeable difference to desirability.

Overall, the 1999 Rugby World Cup £2 is a cornerstone modern sports coin – plentiful enough that most collectors can add one, but historically important as the first commemorative bi-metallic £2.