George Orwell celebrated on new £2 coin to mark 75 years since author's death

George Orwell, renowned for his novels '1984' and 'Animal Farm', will be honoured with a new £2 coin by the Royal Mint to mark the 75th anniversary of his death.

Drawing inspiration from '1984', the dystopian narrative that explores the life of Winston Smith under oppressive regime control and ubiquitous surveillance, the coin's reverse side showcases an innovative design by artist Henry Gray, featuring what seems to be an eye but is in fact a camera lens at its core. Encircling this lens, the chilling phrase "Big Brother is watching you" from the novel makes a stark appearance, while an additional nod to Orwell's prose adorns the coin's edge with the inscription: "There was truth and there was untruth."

Celebrating literary icons, past celebrated authors on £2 coins include William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and JRR Tolkien, according to the Royal Mint. Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint's director of commemorative coin, said: "The works of George Orwell have influenced generations, and his most famous works are still being studied today – decades on from their first publication. I am delighted to share this unique design with collectors and fans of Orwell’s work, paying tribute to one of the most world-renowned authors of the 20th century."

Writing under the pen name of Orwell, Eric Blair, an esteemed author, journalist and prophetic intellectual, garnered widespread acclaim addressing societal inequities through his writing. The resonance of Orwell's ideas and contribution to sociopolitical discourse remain palpable in contemporary vernacular.

The term "Orwellian" is typically employed to characterise oppressive systems where truth is manipulated and individual liberties are infringed upon, while "Big Brother" frequently refers to contexts of intrusive surveillance or excessive control. The Royal Mint is set to release a special £2 coin, which will come in various forms including brilliant uncirculated, gold proof, and silver proof.

Coin enthusiasts can purchase these from 9am on January 15 from the Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting at just £17.50. Starting from January 20, the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales, will offer visitors the unique opportunity to mint their own collectable George Orwell £2 piece.