Royal Mint Honors National Gallery's Bicentennial with Commemorative Coin

To commemorate the National Gallery's bicentenary, the Royal Mint has unveiled a £2 coin designed by Edwina Ellis, featuring the gallery's iconic Trafalgar Square building. Inscribed with the phrase "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," the coin pays homage to the influence of past masters on future artists. Director of commemorative coin Rebecca Morgan hails it as a tribute to the gallery's artistic legacy, while collectors can now acquire various versions of the coin, including gold, silver, and brilliant uncirculated.

Royal Mint Unveils Commemorative Coin Honoring National Gallery Bicentenary

London, England - In a tribute to the illustrious institution that has showcased masterpieces for two centuries, the Royal Mint proudly unveils a commemorative £2 coin celebrating the National Gallery's bicentennial anniversary.

Designed by acclaimed artist Edwina Ellis, the intricately crafted coin portrays the gallery's iconic edifice nestled within Trafalgar Square's bustling heart. Encircling the numismatic depiction of the building's grand Corinthian columns is the poignant inscription "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," an exhortation that translates to "the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants." This phrase, inscribed on the gallery's Wilkins Building ceiling, encapsulates the profound belief that the artistic legacy of the past continues to inspire future generations.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, expressed her delight in commemorating this momentous milestone. "It is a privilege to collaborate with the National Gallery in celebrating its bicentenary," she said. "This coin serves as a testament to the institution's unwavering dedication to preserving artistic brilliance and its unparalleled collection of world-renowned paintings. We hope collectors will cherish this miniature masterpiece for years to come."

To commemorate the occasion, the coin will be enshrined within a time capsule organized by the National Gallery as part of its NG200 celebrations. Available in various limited-edition versions, including gold, silver, and brilliant uncirculated, the collectable £2 coin can be purchased through the Royal Mint website. Prices range from £13 for the brilliant uncirculated version to £845 for the gold proof version.

The coin was previously included in the Royal Mint's 2024 annual sets and is now available for individual purchase. As a testament to the National Gallery's enduring legacy and the enduring power of art, the commemorative coin will undoubtedly become a cherished collectible for enthusiasts and a poignant reminder of one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions.