William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin Skull

Hey there, history buffs and coin collectors! Ever stumbled upon a 2-pound coin and thought, "Wow, that's a lot of pocket change"? Well, buckle up, 'cause we're about to dive into a story that's worth its weight in, well, more 2-pound coins! We're talking about the one, the only, the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin Skull.

So, what's the big deal about this coin?

Alright, let's start with the basics. This isn't your average, everyday 2-pound coin. No, no, no. This one's got a twist - a skull and crossbones twist, to be precise. Now, you might be thinking, "A skull on a coin? Isn't that a bit morbid?" Well, hold your horses, because this isn't just any skull. It's a nod to the Bard himself, William Shakespeare.

But why a skull, you ask?

Great question! You see, Shakespeare's most famous play, Hamlet, opens with a soliloquy delivered by the Prince of Denmark himself, standing over the grave of his father. And what does Hamlet hold in his hand? A skull, of course. It's a symbol of mortality, a reminder that life is fleeting, and all that jazz. Pretty deep stuff for a coin, huh?

Now, let's talk design

This coin is like a tiny, shiny Shakespearean play in itself. On one side, you've got the Royal Coat of Arms, because, you know, it's still a British coin. But flip it over, and that's where the magic happens. There's Shakespeare's bust, looking all wise and literary, with the words "William Shakespeare" and "1564-1616" etched around it. And then, there's the skull, resting on top of a book - a book that, if you squint just right, you can imagine is filled with sonnets and soliloquies.

But wait, there's more!

Now, here's where it gets really interesting. This coin isn't just a coin - it's a commemorative coin. That means it was minted to celebrate something specific: the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Can you believe it? Four hundred years! That's like, what, a gazillion in human years? Anyway, that's why this coin is so special. It's a little piece of history, a tiny time capsule, if you will.

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

So, why is this coin so cool?

Well, for starters, it's a conversation starter. Imagine pulling this out at a party. "Oh, this old thing? It's just a 2-pound coin with Shakespeare's skull on it. No big deal." wink Plus, it's a great way to introduce the Bard to the next generation. You can be like, "Kids, look! It's Shakespeare! And he's holding a skull! Isn't that cool?"

But in all seriousness, this coin is a testament to Shakespeare's enduring legacy. Four hundred years later, we're still talking about him, still reading his plays, still marveling at his words. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating. So, the next time you see a 2-pound coin, take a closer look. It might just be the Bard himself, winking at you from beyond the grave.