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2016 400th Anniversary of the Death of Shakespeare £2 Three Coin Set
AU$99.00
Stock: Available
Product Code: 16U2239
In 2016, the UK's Royal Mint released three £2 coins to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the Death of William Shakespeare. All three Shakespeare coins come together in a set, the coins are endorsed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon. He was christened on 26th April, 1564, but his exact birth date is unknown. Shakespeare is often regarded as one of the greatest poets and playwrights that ever lived. During his lifetime he wrote 154 sonnets and 37 plays, including Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Shakespeare died on 23rd April, 1616 at the age of 52.
Other £2 coins issued in 2016 commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of London and the Army During World War I.
Obverse
The obverse of each coin shows the fifth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. This is the first time the portrait has been used on £2 coins, having only been unveiled in 2015.
Reverse
The reverse designs are by the Royal Mint engraver, John Bergdahl.
There are three coins to commemorate Shakespeare's legacy.
Comedies The first coin shows a jester's hat with a stick. This is to celebrate the actors and their trade.
Histories A crown with a sword going through it symbolises the history of which Shakespeare wrote about and the drama he explored.
Tragedies The final coin shows a skull with a rose going through it. The rose is meant to represent eternal love, whilst the skull alludes to the doomed romances which so many of Shakespeare's characters experienced.
Specification
| Denomination | £2 - Comedy |
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-Nickel - Outer: Nickel Brass |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Weight | 12g |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Edge Inscription | All the Worlds a Stage |
| Denomination | £2 - History |
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-Nickel - Outer: Nickel Brass |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Weight | 12g |
| Diameter | 28.4mm |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Edge Inscription | The Hollow Crown |
| Denomination | £2 - Tragedy |
| Alloy | Inner: Cupro-Nickel - Outer: Nickel Brass |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Weight | 12g |
| Diameter | 28.4mm |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Edge Inscription | What a piece of work is a man |