The George Orwell £2 Coin Release
The George Orwell £2 coin release from 9am (GMT) on 15th January 2025 encompasses a range of precious metal options and denominations, aiming to cater to both seasoned collectors and those with a newfound appreciation for Orwell’s work. Each coin is carefully crafted, bearing intricate designs that are both visually striking and conceptually rich, reflecting the themes and motifs found throughout Orwell’s writing. Find out more about the George Orwell Coin Collection here.
Buy the George Orwell £2 Coin now, click the red button below to shop the range form The Royal Mint. #aff
George Orwell Commemorative Coins
Explore the range of George Orwell commemorative coins, each meticulously crafted by the Royal Mint to honor his enduring legacy.
- Created with the support of the Orwell Foundation, an independently registered charity officially sanctioned by the Orwell Estate
- Accompanied by packaging that explores Orwell’s life and notable works
What Coins are in the George Orwell £2 Coin Release?
| Standard | BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED COIN (BU, BUNC) |
|---|---|
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| Issue Price | £17.50 |
| Mintage | Unlimited |
| Affiliate Link #aff | Buy It Now |
| Standard | SILVER PROOF COIN |
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| Product Name | George Orwell 2025 UK £2 Silver Proof Coin |
| Issue Price | £89.00 |
| Mintage | Limited Edition 4,500 |
| Affiliate Link #aff | Buy It Now |
| Standard | SILVER PROOF PIEDFORT COIN |
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| Product Name | George Orwell 2025 UK £2 Silver Piedfort Proof Coin |
| Issue Price | £145.00 |
| Mintage | Limited Edition 1,984 |
| Affiliate Link #aff | Buy It Now |
| Standard | GOLD PROOF COIN |
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| Product Name | George Orwell 2025 UK £2 Gold Proof Coin |
| Issue Price | £1,515.00 |
| Mintage | Limited Edition 101 |
| Affiliate Link #aff | Buy It Now |
George Orwell: A Legacy Immortalized in Coin
George Orwell, the pen name of Eric Arthur Blair, remains one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works, particularly Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm, have become enduring symbols of social critique, political commentary, and the struggle for individual freedom. To honor his profound impact on literature and discourse, the Royal Mint has issued a series of commemorative coins celebrating his legacy. These coins are not just pieces of currency; they are tangible testaments to Orwell’s enduring influence and a collector’s dream.
The Collection: A Detailed Overview
The Royal Mint has unveiled a multi-faceted collection, ensuring there’s an option for every collector and enthusiast. The collection spans various precious metals and denominations, each carrying a specific design element inspired by Orwell’s works. Let’s explore each of these offerings in detail.
Common Coin Features
| Year | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | £2 |
| Designer | Henry Gray |
| Obverse Design (Heads Side) | The portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Martin Jennings. |
| Reverse Design (Tails Side) | Features the inscription ‘BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU’, This is a quote taken from 1984, which encircles the camera lens. |
| Edge | Fine milled incuse edge lettering |
| Edge Inscription | • THERE WAS TRUTH AND THERE WAS UNTRUTH |
“MCM” = Maximum Coin Mintage, the highest number of coins that may be minted in the range for that particular coin. Lower equals a rarer 2 pound coin.
£2 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
| Metal | Base metal (Inner: Cupro-nickel. Outer: Nickel-brass) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.00 grams |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Finish | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Significance | This coin is not intended for circulation (NIFC) and can only be purchased from coin sites or The Royal Mint. Finished to Brilliant Uncirculated standard, a higher quality finish than the coins you find your change |
£2 Silver Proof Coin
| Maximum Coin Mintage | 4,510 Silver Proof Coins |
|---|---|
| Metal | Inner: .925 sterling silver. Outer: .925 sterling silver plated with fine gold |
| Weight | 12.00 grams |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Finish | Proof |
| Significance | The £2 Silver Proof coin is the centerpiece of the collection and is often considered the most collectible, offering a blend of artistry and historical value. The “Proof” finish ensures a high level of detail and a mirror-like sheen. The design is a carefully considered composition meant to instantly evoke Orwell’s world. Presented in an acrylic block, which is the perfect way for fans of Orwell’s work to display this masterfully designed coin. |
£2 Silver Piedfort Proof Coin
Struck to Proof standard, the finest available from The Royal Mint, this silver Proof Piedfort edition weighs twice that of its silver Proof equivalent
| Maximum Coin Mintage | 1,994 Silver Piedfort Proof Coins |
|---|---|
| Metal | Inner: .925 sterling silver. Outer: .925 sterling silver plated with fine gold |
| Weight | 24.00 grams |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Significance | The term “Piedfort” refers to a coin that is thicker than usual. The Silver Piedfort enhances the tactile and visual aspect of the coin, making it a unique offering for collectors. |
£2 Gold Proof Coin
| MCM | 111 Gold Coins |
|---|---|
| Metal | Gold (Inner: 22 carat yellow gold. Outer: 22 carat red gold) |
| Weight | 15.98 g |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Denomination | £2 |
| Significance | As the most valuable piece in the series, the 1oz Gold Proof coin is a testament to Orwell’s enduring impact and a premier acquisition for collectors. The use of fine gold adds both prestige and intrinsic worth to the piece. |
Design and Symbolism
The choice of design elements is no coincidence. The eye represents the all-seeing surveillance state prevalent in Nineteen Eighty-Four. The pig, of course, is an immediate reference to the allegorical political themes in Animal Farm. The bird could be a reference to birds mentioned in Orwell’s essays and novels, or the idea of freedom. These symbols, combined with the crisp detail of the proof finish, create a visually striking and thought-provoking coin.
Collecting Considerations
For those interested in acquiring these commemorative coins, a few factors should be considered:
- Availability: The Royal Mint often limits the production of these coins, especially the proof versions. Early purchase is advised to avoid disappointment.
- Price: The value varies based on the metal, finish, and denomination. The gold options will be significantly higher in price than their silver and base metal counterparts.
- Condition: The coins, particularly the proof versions, should be handled with care. Fingerprints can detract from their value and appearance, thus keeping them in their original packaging when not on display is important.
- Personal Value: Beyond monetary value, these coins carry historical and literary significance. Consider which option aligns best with personal interests and collectable preferences.
Why buy these coins?
The George Orwell commemorative coins are more than just currency; they are small works of art, tangible reminders of a writer who continues to challenge and enlighten us. Whether one is a seasoned numismatist, a dedicated Orwell admirer, or someone just starting on a collecting journey, these coins offer a compelling blend of historical significance, artistic beauty, and investment value. The Royal Mint has done an excellent job capturing the essence of Orwell’s legacy, crafting a series of coins that will be treasured for years to come. These pieces not only honor the author but also serve as a conversation starter about the themes that were so paramount to his works. See also our two pound coin value checker
George Orwell: A Biographical Sketch
Eric Arthur Blair, known by his pen name George Orwell, was born on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, British India. His life was marked by a deep commitment to social justice and a powerful literary voice that continues to resonate today.
Orwell’s early life was spent in England. After attending Eton College, he served in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, an experience that profoundly influenced his understanding of colonialism and oppression. Disillusioned with his role, he returned to Europe, where he lived in poverty while trying to establish himself as a writer. These experiences as an outsider, and with the working classes, shaped his subsequent work, marked by its compassion for the oppressed, disdain for authoritarianism and keen perception of injustice.
His early works, including Down and Out in Paris and London (1933) and The Road to Wigan Pier (1937), explored the plight of the poor and working classes. The latter book was a commission to investigate the conditions of the coal miners in the North of England. However it also reflected his own political leanings and the difficulties of socialism. In 1936 he traveled to Spain to fight in the Spanish Civil War on the Republican side, an experience that further radicalized him. He was critical of both right and left wing authoritarianism and his time in Spain is recounted in Homage to Catalonia.
Orwell’s most enduring works, Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949), are allegorical and dystopian novels that critique totalitarianism and the abuse of power. Animal Farm uses barnyard animals to satirize the Russian Revolution, and Nineteen Eighty-Four envisions a future in which citizens are subjected to constant surveillance and manipulation. These two books in particular have become globally renowned and continue to influence thought, literature and political movements.
Orwell’s writing is characterized by its directness, clarity, and commitment to truth. He was deeply concerned with the power of language to shape thought, and he strove to use words in a way that was both precise and accessible. He also wrote extensively in his career as a journalist, an essayist and a literary critic.
He died on January 21, 1950, of tuberculosis. Despite his relatively short life, George Orwell’s legacy as a writer and social critic endures. His works are widely studied, and his ideas continue to be relevant in a world grappling with issues of political control, social inequality, and the importance of individual freedom.
