- Circulation: 3,903,000
- Year issued: 2009
- Edge inscription: On the origin of species 1859
- Value circulated: £2.50
- Value circulated in excellent condition: £11.00
- Value uncirculated: £20.00 upwards
- Composition: Inner – cupro-nickel. Outer – Nickel-Brass
- Scarcity index: 7
In 2009 the Charles Darwin £2 was issued. This coin celebrated the 200th anniversary of the famous British scientist. This coin is of great value to anyone with an interest in science or in British history.
History of the coin
When the £2 was first issued in 1986 is was made of one metal and was only issued as a commemorative coin for the Scottish Commonwealth Games. In 1998 when it was released in to circulation as part of the British coin set it was turned in to a bi-metallic coin to distinguish between the older commemorative version and the newer circulating coin.
About Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin was born in 1809 and studied at Christ’s College, Cambridge and the University of Edinburgh Medical School.
In 1831 he set off on The Beagle, which took 5 years to circumnavigate the World. Darwin spent much of the journey exploring South America and learning about its natural environment, plants and creatures.
His best known work is ‘On the Origin of Species’ which was published in 1859. In it he outlines his theory on the evolution of man. His theory was well received and has since been accepted as fact.
He won a number of awards for his works including the Copley Medal, the Wollaston Medal and the Royal Medal.
He is buried in Westminster Abbey.
How many Charles Darwin £2 coins were made?
3,903,000 Charles Darwin £2 were released in to circulation in 2009.
Design and Designer
- Front design:
On the left of the coin is a portrait of Charles Darwin. He is facing a portrait of a chimpanzee. ‘1809 Darwin 2009’ appears at the top.
- Obverse design:
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley
Designer: Suzie Zamit
Suzie Zamit is a member of the Society of Portrait Sculptors and has been a member of the council since 2007.
She specialises in portraits and her work can be seen up and down the country and in Europe, including Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and the British Library. Her commissions have included Charlie Chaplin, Francis Bacon and Wilfred Owen.
As well as the Charles Darwin £2 coin she also designed a Britannia bullion coin in 2010.
Variations
3,903,000 Charles Darwin £2 coins were circulated.
- 25,000 Brilliant uncirculated coins are available
- 5,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
- 1,000 Silver Proof Piedfort coins were produced
- 1,000 Gold Proof coins were produced.
