2 Pound Coin With Skull And Rose

Meet the 2 Pound Coin: The Coin with a Tale to Tell

Alright, gather 'round, folks. Let's chat about something that's been jingling in our pockets and purses for a while now - the humble two pound coin. But this isn't just any two quid, oh no. This one's got a story, a skull and a rose to be precise. Intrigued? You should be!

Once Upon a Time in 2017...

Picture this: it's 2017, the Royal Mint is feeling creative, and they decide to give us a coin that's not just legal tender, but also a tiny work of art. And so, the two pound coin with a skull and rose was born. Now, you might be thinking, "Why the morbid theme, Mint?" Well, my friends, it's all about the balance - life, death, beauty, decay. You know, the usual philosophical stuff we ponder while counting our change.

Designing Death: The Tale Behind the Tale

So, who's the genius behind this coin's design? That'd be Stuart Devlin, an Australian artist who's no stranger to the Royal Mint. Stuart's known for his intricate, symbolic designs, and this time, he's given us a coin that's equal parts memento mori and memento vivere. The skull, a reminder of our mortality, and the rose, a symbol of life's fleeting beauty. Deep, huh?

But here's where it gets even more interesting. Stuart's design is actually inspired by an old English coin from the 1600s. It's called a rose ryal, and it featured a rose on one side and a king's head on the other. Stuart's given it a modern twist, swapping the king's head for a skull, and adding a few more roses for good measure.

William Shakespeare £2 Coin Skull and Rose 2016 - YouTube

From Mint to Pocket: The Coin's Journey

Now, you might be wondering, "How did this skull and rose coin end up in my pocket?" Well, it all started in 2017 when the Royal Mint began circulating these bad boys. They were part of a series called Shield of the Royal Arms, and this skull and rose coin was the second design in that series. The first one featured a lion, and the third? A crown. But none of them are quite as... memorable as our skull and rose, are they?

Fun Facts: Because Who Doesn't Love Trivia?

Alright, let's lighten the mood with some fun facts, shall we? Did you know that the skull on the coin is facing the wrong way? It's supposed to be facing the rose, but Stuart's design has it facing the other side. Oops! And get this - the rose has five petals, which is a nod to the five senses. Clever, huh?

Rare William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin Hamlet Skull | eBay UK

Now, here's one for the coin collectors out there. The two pound coin is actually worth more than two pounds! That's right, it's made of two different metals - a copper-nickel ring around a brass center. So, technically, it's worth more than its face value. Not bad for a coin that's been sitting at the bottom of your bag, huh?

So, What's the Verdict?

Well, folks, that's the tale of the two pound coin with a skull and rose. It's a coin that's got people talking, isn't it? Some love it, some find it a bit... macabre. But one thing's for sure - it's a coin that's got a story to tell. So, the next time you find one in your pocket, take a moment to appreciate the artistry, the symbolism, the mystery. After all, it's not every day you carry around a tiny, valuable, slightly spooky work of art.