George Orwell £2 Coin Released to Mark 75th Anniversary of Author's Death

One of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, George Orwell, will be honored on a new £2 coin from The Royal Mint.

A new £2 coin from The Royal Mint will celebrate one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century.

The coin has been released to mark the 75th anniversary of George Orwell's death and features a design on the reverse that pays tribute to one of his most famous novels, 1984.

Designed by experienced coin artist Henry Gray (The Who, Buckingham Palace), the coin features what appears to be an eye but is in fact a camera lens at the centre.

The quote, ‘Big Brother is Watching You’ encircles the camera lens, while the coin's edge inscription reads ‘THERE WAS TRUTH AND THERE WAS UNTRUTH’, another quote from the novel.

The £2 coin is one the most favoured denominations among collectors. Since its introduction to the definitive coinage of the United Kingdom in 1998, the £2 coin has seen over 50 reverse designs, including coins commemorating other literary figures such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and JRR Tolkien.

A talented writer and visionary thinker, much of Orwell's non-fiction work served as commentaries based on his real-life experiences, including living in poverty, and serving as a Republican volunteer during Francisco Franco's dictatorship in Spain.

It was the latter experience that fostered Orwell's staunch anti-totalitarianism mindset, a pervasive theme throughout his works.

From January 20, visitors to The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales, will have the unique opportunity to strike their own George Orwell £2 collectable coin.

Tickets to strike your own coin are available to purchase at check-in for an additional £7.50 per coin.

The George Orwell commemorative £2 coin will be available to purchase in Brilliant Uncirculated, Gold Proof and Silver Proof editions from The Royal Mint website at 9 am on Wednesday, January 15.