Royal Mint Honors National Gallery's Bicentennial with Exclusive £2 Coin

The Royal Mint has released a £2 coin commemorating the National Gallery's bicentenary, featuring the gallery's iconic Trafalgar Square facade. The coin's design incorporates the Latin phrase "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," highlighting the inspiring legacy of past artists on future generations. Available in gold, silver, and brilliant uncirculated, the coin serves as a tribute to the gallery's renowned collection and dedication to preserving artistic excellence. It will be included in a National Gallery time capsule as part of bicentennial celebrations.

Royal Mint Commemorates National Gallery Bicentenary with Prestigious £2 Coin

London, England - The Royal Mint has unveiled a captivating £2 coin to commemorate the bicentenary celebrations of the National Gallery, a renowned institution that has showcased extraordinary works of art for two centuries.

Crafted by acclaimed designer Edwina Ellis, the coin masterfully portrays the iconic facade of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London. The intricate numismatic depiction of the gallery's majestic Corinthian columns is complemented by an inscription that reads "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," a Latin phrase meaning "the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants." This inscription, emblazoned on the ceiling of the National Gallery's Wilkins Building, symbolizes the enduring inspiration that past artistic giants provide to contemporary and future generations.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, expressed her delight in collaborating with the National Gallery for this commemorative release. "We are honored to join the Gallery in celebrating this historic milestone," she said. "This coin pays homage to the gallery's extraordinary legacy of world-class paintings and its unyielding commitment to preserving artistic excellence. We trust that collectors will cherish this miniature masterpiece for years to come."

As part of the National Gallery's NG200 celebrations, the £2 coin will be enshrined within a time capsule later this spring. This commemorative coin is available in various editions, including gold, silver, and brilliant uncirculated, and can be purchased from the Royal Mint website. Prices start at a modest £13.

Originally featured in the Royal Mint's 2024 annual sets, the £2 coin is now available for individual purchase, allowing numismatic enthusiasts and art aficionados alike the opportunity to acquire this exquisite collectible.

The Royal Mint's collaboration with the National Gallery on this commemorative coin not only commemorates the gallery's bicentenary but also celebrates the enduring power of art to inspire and enrich generations. This coin serves as a tangible reminder of the gallery's unparalleled contribution to the world of art and its enduring legacy as a beacon of artistic brilliance.