- Circulation: 1,495,000
- Year issued: 2015
- Edge inscription: Foundation of liberty
- Value circulated: £2.50
- Value circulated in excellent condition: £5.00
- Value uncirculated: £10.00 upwards
- Composition: Inner – cupro-nickel. Outer – Nickel-Brass
- Scarcity index: 30
The Magna Carta was signed in 1215. The Royal Mint issued a commemorative £2 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of this event. The Magna Carta £2 coin is a nice addition to anyone interested in British history.
History of the coin
Until 1998 there, 7 coins made up the British coin set. In 1998, the first £2 was put in to circulation. This new coin was a combination of two metals so that it would stand out and is currently the largest coin in circulation.
Unlike other coins, the £2 has an inscription around the edge and on non-commemorative coins it reads ‘Standing on the shoulders of giants.’
About the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was signed by King John in 1215 and is considered the foundation for citizens’ rights and democracy.
The ‘Great Charter’ was the first document to state that no one was above the law, not even the king and declared that all men had the right to justice and a fair trial. While most of the charter no longer has any legal basis, is it still quoted and three clauses still exist.
Although many clauses have since been repealed, the principles included in the Magna Carta have been used as the foundation for many other declarations, including the United States Bill of Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.
How many Magna Carta £2 coins were made?
The Magna Carta £2 is one of the less common coins as only 1,495,000 were circulated in 2015
Design and Designer
- Front design:
The Magna Carta shows King John in the centre holding the document in one hand and a quill in the other. A bishop and a nobleman are on either side of him. The words ‘Magna Carta’ appear at the top with the dates ‘1215-2015’ at the bottom.
- Obverse design:
Early releases have the 4th Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.
Later releases have the 5th portrait by Jody Clark
Designer: John Bergdahl
John Bergdahl is a coinage artist, who has designed a number of coins for the Royal Mint. His designs have covered Royal celebrations, historical anniversaries and military coins.
His designs include a collectible coin celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria. This was a challenge to his skill as a coin maker and included many aspects of Victorian life.
He also designed the coin commemorating the birth of Princess Charlotte and the anniversary of the launch of the Mary Rose.
Variations
The Magna Carta £2 was issued in 2015 and 1,495,000 were released in to circulation.
- Brilliant uncirculated coins are available
- 2,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
- 2,000 Silver Proof Piedfort coins were produced
- 400 Gold Proof coins were produced.
