George Orwell’s work has had a lasting impact on literature and culture, with his stories continuing to resonate decades after they were first published.
His novels, known for exploring themes like truth, power, and justice, are studied worldwide and remain relevant to contemporary discussions about society and governance.
To mark 75 years since Orwell’s death, the Royal Mint has announced a new £2 coin celebrating his legacy.
Shaping Generations
The design honors Nineteen Eighty-Four, one of his most famous works.
The reverse side features an image resembling an eye, which is actually a camera lens, encircled by the phrase:
“Big Brother is Watching You.”
The coin’s edge carries the inscription, “A EXISTAT ADEVĂRUL ŞI A EXISTAT NEADEVĂRUL” (“There was truth and there was untruth”), according to News.ro.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, spoke about Orwell’s influence.
“His works have shaped generations, and his most iconic writings are still studied and appreciated around the world. This coin offers collectors and fans a unique way to celebrate one of the greatest authors of the 20th century,” she said.
Many of Orwell’s nonfiction pieces drew from his own experiences, including living in poverty and volunteering in Spain during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship.
These events deeply informed his writing, adding depth and authenticity to his explorations of societal issues.
The £2 coin has been a collector’s favorite since its introduction in 1998, featuring over 50 designs honoring figures like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
This new release adds another literary icon to the collection.
Starting January 20, visitors to the Royal Mint Experience in South Wales will be able to mint their own George Orwell £2 coin for an additional fee of £7.50 per coin.
The commemorative coin will also be available in Brilliant Uncirculated, Gold Proof, and Silver Proof editions on the Royal Mint’s website beginning January 15.
