- Circulation: English coin – 4.392,825. Scottish coin – 381,400
- Year issued: 1989
- Edge inscription: none
- Value circulated: n/a
- Value circulated in excellent condition: £10.00
- Value uncirculated: £20.00
- Composition: Nickel-Brass
- Scarcity index: n/a
The Bill of Rights was passed in 1689 and to mark the 300th anniversary, a commemorative £2 was issued. Although they were legal tender, the coins were not circulated and were aimed at collectors. These are very sought after by coin collectors and anyone who is interested in British history.
History of the coin
The original £2 coin was made from one metal and was minted mainly for collectors. From 1986 to 1998 only commemorative £2 were issued, the first being for the Commonwealth Games.
After a consultation with various industries, the coin entered circulation in 1998. The new coins were made of two metals, and included an inscription around the outside. They are still used to commemorate historic and sporting occasions and anniversaries
About the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was passed in 1689, and was the act which gave Parliament more power than the monarch. It was signed by the new rulers, William and Mary, who agreed to rule jointly.
Before the Act, the monarch had ultimate control over the country. The Bill of Rights limited the power they had and gave more of the control to Parliament and created a constitutional monarchy.
The bill ensured that the king or queen could not interfere with the election of members of Parliament and they could not interfere with the law. It also laid out the succession by declaring that the throne would be passed to Mary’s sister and not to any heirs of William should he marry again.
Since the Bill was passed, the monarch has been head of state in name only but still plays an important part in the constitution.
How many Bill of Rights £2 coins were made?
There were two versions of the Bill of Rights £2. The English coin had a mintage of 4,392,825 and the Scottish version had a mintage of 381,400.
Design and Designer
The English coin has the Crown of St Edward, and the inscription reads ‘Tercentenary of the Bill of Rights’. The Scottish design features the Crown of Scotland, and has the inscription ‘Tercentenary of the Claim of Right’
- Obverse design:
The third portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ralph Maklouf.
- Designer: John Lobban
John Lobban was an artist and engraver.
He is possibly most well-known for his illustrations of Paddington Bear which are found in many of Michael Bond’s books.
He was also a coin artist and medallist who worked for both the Royal Mint and Franklin Mint. He has designed many coins and medals for other countries, including Aruba, Ukraine and Barbados.
Among his other designs for the Royal Mint is the 1990 medal for the international gathering of Mint Directors which was hosted at the Royal Mint.
Variations
There are two versions of the Bill of Rights £2. The English coin had a mintage of 4,392, 825, which the Scottish one is one of the rarer coins at just 381,400.
- Brilliant uncirculated coins are available
- 25,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
- Silver Proof Piedfort coins were produced
- Gold Proof coins were produced
