Royal Mint Unveils Commemorative Coin Marking 200th Anniversary of National Gallery

The Royal Mint has released a £2 coin to commemorate the bicentenary of the National Gallery. Designed by Edwina Ellis, the coin features the Gallery's Trafalgar Square home and bears the inscription "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," meaning "the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants." This phrase, found on the ceiling of the Wilkins Building, symbolizes the inspiration past artists provide to those of the future. The coin, available in gold, silver, and uncirculated versions, will be included in the National Gallery's time capsule as part of their NG200 celebrations.

Royal Mint Unveils Commemorative Coin Honoring 200 Years of the National Gallery

In a momentous celebration of artistic heritage, the Royal Mint has proudly released a commemorative £2 coin to mark the bicentenary of the National Gallery. This exceptional coin, meticulously designed by Edwina Ellis, pays homage to the gallery's esteemed legacy and its enduring presence in London's iconic Trafalgar Square.

The coin's obverse depicts the National Gallery in all its architectural splendor, with its majestic Corinthian columns rendered with exquisite numismatic precision. Encircling this intricate representation is an evocative Latin inscription: "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est," which translates to "the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants."

This profound phrase, emblazoned on the ceiling of the gallery's Wilkins Building, encapsulates the gallery's belief that the great masters of the past serve as beacons of inspiration for future generations of artists. Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint's Director of Commemorative Coin, expressed profound delight in collaborating with the National Gallery on this momentous occasion.

"This coin is a testament to the gallery's unwavering commitment to preserving artistic brilliance and its unparalleled collection of world-class paintings," stated Morgan. "We are honored to be part of the NG200 celebrations and hope that collectors will cherish this miniature work of art for generations to come."

The commemorative £2 coin will be an integral part of a time capsule assembled by the National Gallery as part of its NG200 festivities. To cater to diverse collector preferences, the Royal Mint has meticulously crafted the coin in various coveted versions, including pure gold, lustrous silver, and pristine brilliant uncirculated. These limited-edition coins are available for purchase from the Royal Mint's official website, with prices ranging from £13 for the brilliant uncirculated coin to significantly higher premiums for the precious metal editions.

The commemorative coin was initially released as part of the Royal Mint's 2024 annual sets but is now available for individual purchase, enabling collectors and enthusiasts to acquire this exclusive piece of numismatic history.

This exceptional coin not only commemorates the National Gallery's remarkable anniversary but also serves as a timeless testament to the enduring power of art and its ability to inspire generations.