First World War 2 Pound Coin 2014

Alright, picture this: it's 1914, World War I is kicking off, and the British are like, "We need a new way to pay for all these bullets and bayonets!" So, they're not just going to print more money, oh no, that would be too easy. They decide to double the value of their coins. "Let's make a 2-pound coin!" they said, "Because, you know, why not?"

Enter the 2-Pound Coin

Now, you might be thinking, "A 2-pound coin? Isn't that a bit... big?" Well, yes, yes it is. It's about the size of a 50p piece today, which is basically a tiny frisbee. But remember, this is the era of "Let's make a coin so big, you can use it as a coaster!"

And let's not forget the design. It's got King George V on one side, looking all regal and serious. On the other side, it's got a big, bold 'II' for '2', because apparently, they thought people might be confused by a coin that's twice the size of a 1-pound coin. Spoiler alert: people were still confused.

Confusion Ensues

So, these 2-pound coins start rolling off the presses, and the British public is like, "What in the name of all that's holy is this giant coin doing in my pocket?" They started calling it the 'double-thruppenny bit', because, you know, British people love a good tongue twister.

And here's where it gets really funny. The coins were so big and heavy, they were practically useless. You couldn't carry a pocketful of them without feeling like you were walking around with a small cannonball in your pocket. And forget about using them in vending machines. They were about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Two pounds 2014 | British Coins price guide and values | Coins and

From Coins to Collectibles

But here's where our story takes a twist. In 2014, the Royal Mint decided to bring back the 2-pound coin, but this time, it was a commemorative coin. No more trying to use it to buy a cup of tea, this one was for collectors only. And boy, did collectors go wild!

They released a special edition with a poppy on it, to commemorate the centennial of World War I. And suddenly, everyone wanted one. People were queuing up outside the Royal Mint like it was Black Friday at the Apple Store. The coin sold out in just a few days, and now, they're worth a small fortune on the collectors' market.

100th Anniversary of the First World War and Outbreak | Articles on

So, there you have it. The 2-pound coin: from useless giant coin to highly sought-after collectible. Who would've thought that a coin that was practically a joke when it first came out would become a symbol of remembrance a hundred years later?

And the moral of the story? Never underestimate the power of a good commemorative coin. Or the British public's love for a bit of nostalgia. Now, who's ready to dig out their old piggy banks and see if they've got a 2-pound coin hiding in there?