Royal Mint Releases Commemorative £2 Coin Honoring National Gallery's Bicentennial Anniversary

The Royal Mint has released a new £2 coin to commemorate the bicentenary of the National Gallery in London. Designed by Edwina Ellis, the coin features the gallery's beloved columns and an inscription reading "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," meaning "the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants." The phrase, inscribed on the art gallery's ceiling, symbolizes the inspiration great artists of the past provide to future creators.

Royal Mint Unveils Commemorative £2 Coin to Celebrate Bicentenary of London's National Gallery

London - The Royal Mint has announced the release of a new commemorative £2 coin, designed by Edwina Ellis, to mark the bicentenary of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London.

The coin features the Gallery's iconic columns and an inscription around the edge, "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," signifying the belief that the legacy of great artists inspires future generations. The same phrase is inscribed on the ceiling of the Gallery.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, expressed delight at the collaboration with the National Gallery. "This coin serves as a fitting tribute to the gallery's two centuries of preserving and showcasing world-renowned paintings," she said. "We hope collectors will cherish this miniature work of art."

For two centuries, the National Gallery has been a renowned destination for art enthusiasts and artists alike. The bicentenary celebrations will include the inclusion of the £2 coin in a time capsule to be laid as part of the NG200 festivities.

The coin will be available in various versions, including gold, silver, and brilliant uncirculated, priced from £13. It is currently available for purchase on the Royal Mint website. Additionally, it was previously included in the Royal Mint's 2024 annual sets.

This commemorative £2 coin joins the Royal Mint's range of coins celebrating significant British cultural institutions. In recent years, the Mint has issued coins commemorating the British Museum, the Royal Opera House, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, among others.

The release of the National Gallery £2 coin highlights the enduring significance of the arts in British society and the Royal Mint's commitment to preserving and celebrating the nation's cultural heritage.