Royal Mint Coins Honor London National Gallery's Bicentennial with Commemorative Release

The Royal Mint celebrates the National Gallery's bicentenary with the release of a £2 coin designed by Edwina Ellis. Featuring a depiction of the gallery in Trafalgar Square, the coin bears the inscription "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," emphasizing the legacy of artistic excellence inspiring future generations. Available in gold, silver, and brilliant uncirculated, the coin will be included in the NG200 celebrations and is available for purchase from the Royal Mint website.

Royal Mint Commemorates Bicentennial of London's National Gallery with Special Coin Issue

London, United Kingdom - To celebrate the bicentenary of the esteemed National Gallery, the Royal Mint has unveiled a commemorative £2 coin designed by the talented artist Edwina Ellis. This exceptional coin pays homage to the Gallery's illustrious history and its unwavering commitment to preserving and showcasing extraordinary works of art.

Etched into the coin's intricate design is a meticulously rendered depiction of the Gallery's iconic neoclassical façade, situated prominently in London's vibrant Trafalgar Square. Encircling the intricate numismatic representation of the building's stately Corinthian columns is an inscription in Latin that reads "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," which translates to "the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants." This profound phrase, inscribed upon the ceiling of the Gallery's Wilkins Building, aptly conveys the belief that the great artists of the past provide inspiration and guidance to those of the present and future.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, expressed her delight in collaborating with the National Gallery on this significant occasion. "We are honored to commemorate the National Gallery's bicentenary with this special coin," she remarked. "This exquisite piece serves as a fitting tribute to the Gallery's remarkable legacy of showcasing world-renowned paintings and its dedication to preserving artistic excellence. We anticipate that collectors will cherish this miniature work of art for generations to come."

As part of the Gallery's bicentennial celebrations, the commemorative coin will be included in a time capsule to be sealed later this spring. This collectible £2 coin will be available in a range of finishes, including gold, silver, and brilliant uncirculated, and can be purchased from the Royal Mint's official website. Prices for the coin start from £13.

The coin was initially released as part of the Royal Mint's 2024 annual sets and is now available for individual purchase. This exceptional commemorative coin not only honors the National Gallery's esteemed legacy but also serves as a tangible reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend time and inspire generations.