William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin Jester

So, I was rummaging through my piggy bank the other day - you know, the one shaped like a pig, not an actual pig - and what do I find? A shiny, round, two-pound coin staring back at me. Now, I've seen a fair few coins in my time, but this one was special. It had a face I recognized, but not from the local newsagent. No, this was none other than the Bard himself, William Shakespeare.

I mean, William Shakespeare on a two-pound coin? I had to take a closer look. I mean, it's not like they put just anyone on our money, right? And there he was, looking all serious and wise, like he was about to launch into a soliloquy about the state of the British economy. I couldn't help but chuckle. I mean, can you imagine? "To coin or not to coin, that is the question..."

Meet the Bard on Coin

So, I did a bit of digging - well, not literal digging, that would be weird - and found out that this Shakespeare two-pound coin was part of the Royal Mint's 'Shakespeare Commemorative Coin' series. They released it in 2016 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death. Quite the tribute, huh?

Now, I've seen the usual suspects on our coins - the Queen, the odd animal, even the occasional sports figure. But Shakespeare? That's something else. I mean, it's not every day you find a coin with a guy who's been dead for over 400 years but is still more famous than half the celebrities walking around today. I mean, have you tried to read 'Romeo and Juliet' lately? That's commitment.

The Jester Side

But here's where it gets interesting. You turn the coin over, and who do you see? A jester! Now, I don't know about you, but I've never seen a jester on a coin before. I mean, it's not like they're lining up to get on our money. "Oh, look, there's a jester on the new five-pence coin!" said no one ever.

But there he was, this jester, looking all mischievous and playful, like he was about to pull out a whoopee cushion at the Royal Banquet. I mean, it's a bit of a contrast, isn't it? One side, it's all serious and scholarly with Shakespeare, and the other, it's like the court jesters are taking over. I like to think Shakespeare would have appreciated the humor. I mean, the guy wrote 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', after all.

So, I started thinking, what if Shakespeare had a coin-making competition with the jester? "Alright, Shakespeare, you've got your serious side down. Now, let's see what you've got on the other side." And out pops this jester, ready to liven up the party. I can just imagine the laughter echoing through the Royal Mint.

2016 William Shakespeare £2 Coin: Jester, Skull & Crown Editions.

Why Shakespeare, Though?

But why Shakespeare, you ask? I mean, sure, he's the Bard, the guy who gave us some of the most famous quotes in the English language. But why put him on a coin? Well, it turns out, Shakespeare's influence is kind of a big deal. I mean, the guy's plays have been translated into every major language. They're performed all over the world. He's basically the original global influencer. I mean, if that's not worth a spot on a coin, what is?

And let's not forget, Shakespeare helped shape the English language as we know it. I mean, sure, we've added a few words since his time - 'brunch', 'hangry', 'mansplain' - but the basics are all Shakespeare. So, in a way, every time you use a word, you're sort of quoting Shakespeare. It's like he's up there, looking down, going, "Yes, yes, that's the one. Use it well."

So, What's It Worth?

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what's this coin actually worth?" Well, it's a two-pound coin, so it's worth... two pounds. But if you're talking about its historical or cultural value, that's a whole other story. I mean, it's not every day you get to hold a piece of history in your hand. It's like having a little piece of the Bard's legacy right there in your pocket.

So, the next time you're rummaging through your piggy bank - or, you know, your actual wallet - and you find a two-pound coin, take a closer look. It might just be Shakespeare and his jester, waiting to tell you a story. And who knows? Maybe it'll inspire you to pick up one of his plays. I mean, it's not every day you get a literary nudge from a coin.