Shakespeare £2 Coin Collection
Shakespeare £2 coins are commemorative coins that were issued by the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom to celebrate the life and works of William Shakespeare, one of the world’s most famous playwrights. These coins were first released in 2016 as part of the “Shakespeare Histories” and “Shakespeare Comedies” coin sets.
Each coin features an inscription related to a specific Shakespeare play, accompanied by a design illustrating a scene or character from that play. The coins were designed by a variety of artists and feature different intricate designs, making them sought-after collectibles for both coin enthusiasts and Shakespeare fans.
Some of the Shakespeare plays that were featured on these coins include “Macbeth,” “Hamlet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Romeo and Juliet,” among others. These coins have become popular among collectors and can be found in circulation, but they are often limited in quantity and can be difficult to find.
The Shakespeare £2 coins are legal tender in the United Kingdom, meaning they can be used as currency, but their collectible value often exceeds their face value. They are often bought and sold by collectors, and their prices can vary depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and demand.
Overall, the Shakespeare £2 coins are a unique and valuable tribute to the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare and his contributions to the world of literature and theatre.
Coin Designs and Mintage Figures
| Image | Name | Mintage | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Shakespeare Comedies £2 Coin also known as The Jester £2 Coin Edge Inscription “ALL THE WORLDS A STAGE” | 4,355,000 | £2.50 |
 | Shakespeare Histories £2 Coin also known as The Crown £2 Coin Edge Inscription “THE HOLLOW CROWN” | 5,655,000 | £2.50 |
 | Shakespeare Tragedies £2 Coin also known as The Skull £2 Coin Edge Inscription “WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN” | 4,615,000 | £2.50 |
| Shakespeare £2 coin values are averages for circulated coins in great condition. The value of your coin may vary depending upon the condition. | |||
Is the Shakespeare Two Pound Coin Writing Upside Down a minting error coin?
If the coin writing is upside-down this is not an indication of an error coin or additional value since any £2 coin can be put into the die any way up.
This is not considered an error since it’s random either way.
What is the Shakespeare Two Pound Error Coin?
A Shakespeare Two Pound Error Coin has been reported where the edge inscription shows FOR KING AND COUNTRY from the First World War Centenary Army £2 coin.
This is an ERROR COIN – as it should show WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN on the Tragedies version of the Shakespeare coin.
The error version is currently attracting bids of around £22 from UK coin collectors on eBay who value having this in their coin collection.
Brilliant Uncirculated Three-Coin Set
Shakespeare Comedies £2 Coin
Coin specification
| Denomination | £2 |
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-nickel – Outer: Nickel-brass |
| Weight | 12.0g |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Edge Inscription | All the Worlds a Stage |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
Shakespeare Histories £2 Coin
Coin specification
| Denomination | £2 |
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-nickel – Outer: Nickel-brass |
| Weight | 12.0g |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Edge Inscription | The Hollow Crown |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
Shakespeare Tragedies £2 Coin
Coin specification
| Denomination | £2 |
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-nickel – Outer: Nickel-brass |
| Weight | 12.0g |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Edge Inscription | What a piece of work is a man |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
£2 Silver Proof Coins
All three coins were issued as Silver Coins with a Limited Edition Presentation mintage of 5,000 each.
The issue price in April 2016 was £60 each.
Struck in 925 sterling silver finished to the finest Proof standard.
£2 Silver Proof Piedfort Coins
All three coins were issued as Silver PIEDFORT Coins with a Limited Edition Presentation mintage of 2,500 each.
The issue price in April 2016 was £100 each.
Struck in double-thickness sterling silver finished to the finest Proof standard.
£2 Gold Proof Coins
All three coins were issued as Gold Coins with a Limited Edition Presentation mintage of 300 each.
The issue price in April 2016 was £750 each.
Struck in 22-carat gold to pristine Proof standard.
Who designed the Shakespeare £2 coin set?
Coinage artist John Bergdahl created all three designs, capturing the essence of his moving tragedies, his brilliant histories, and the genius of his comedies.
John also created a limited edition version of The Platinum Jubilee coins in 2022.
The designs are endorsed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
This is the first time three United Kingdom £2 coins have been struck in the same year, for the same theme!
Three coins celebrate his famous plays
Such is the literary legacy of William Shakespeare, that The Royal Mint has struck three official £2 coins in his honour – a first for the United Kingdom.
Each coin celebrates an aspect of Shakespeare’s famous work.
Honouring the works of William Shakespeare
Do you remember those English Literature lessons at school?
The very first time you were handed a battered paperback, yours for a whole term, and became acquainted with one of our cultural greats, whose mastery of the language suddenly brought learning to life. The excitement and anticipation you felt as you turned each page, feeding your imagination and inspiring a lifelong love of reading and theatre that still gives so much pleasure today. Relive that simple joy as we honour the greatest writer of them all.
In the 400 years since his death, William Shakespeare is perhaps without peer.
His influential works take their rightful place at the heart of our school curriculum and each new generation is gifted his legacy; ready to be inspired and entertained.
John Bergdahl’s designs grace each one of these coins, an homage to Shakespeare’s tragedies, comedies, and historical works.
Shakespeare looked to the kings of England for inspiration for many of his plays – works of imagination, but they are seared into the national psyche, painting a picture often mistaken for fact.
The real Richard III can never be reclaimed, such is the dramatic impact of Shakespeare’s evil hunchback with a grudge against humanity; a testament to the power of his writing and its place at the very heart of our culture.
Introduction to Shakespeare £2 Coins
The Royal Mint, known for its rich history in coinage, released a series of £2 coins in 2016 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. These coins celebrate the life and work of one of the most famous literary figures in history. The Shakespeare £2 coins are not only a form of currency but also a piece of art, reflecting the profound impact of Shakespeare’s work on British culture and beyond.
Design and Significance
The Tragedies Coin
One of the most notable coins in this series is the ‘Tragedies’ coin. It features a skull and a rose, symbolizing the themes of death and love that are prevalent in Shakespeare’s tragedies. This coin pays homage to plays like “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Romeo and Juliet.”
The Comedies Coin
The ‘Comedies’ coin is designed with a jester’s hat and a musical instrument, representing the light-hearted and humorous nature of Shakespeare’s comedies. This coin celebrates plays like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” and “Twelfth Night.”
The Histories Coin
The ‘Histories’ coin showcases a crown and a sword, reflecting the royal and martial themes of Shakespeare’s historical plays. This includes famous works like “Henry V,” “Richard III,” and “Julius Caesar.”
Collectibility and Value
Shakespeare £2 coins have become a favorite among collectors. Their value can vary depending on several factors such as condition, rarity, and demand. For the most current values and availability, collectors often refer to sites like The Royal Mint https://www.royalmint.com and Numista.
Where to Find and Purchase
These coins can be found in circulation in the UK, but uncirculated versions are available. Collectors also trade these coins on platforms like eBay and numismatic websites. You can also find collectors on Reddit.
Conclusion
The Shakespeare £2 coins are not just currency; they are a celebration of the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare. They serve as a reminder of the impact of his work on literature and culture, making them a valuable addition to any collection.
For more information and to view these coins, visit The Royal Mint’s official website.
