New £2 coin in honour of celebrated author George Orwell

British literary giant George Orwell, famed for his novels '1984' and 'Animal Farm', is being commemorated with a new £2 coin by the Royal Mint. This special issue marks 75 years since the author's death and features a reverse design that nods to his iconic work '1984'.

A camera lens resembling an eye, symbolising the totalitarian surveillance in the story, sits at the heart of Henry Gray’s designed coin. Around this are the chilling words "Big Brother is watching you", with the coin's edge further featuring the quote: "There was truth and there was untruth."

Literary peers such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and JRR Tolkien have received similar honours.

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The Royal Mint's director of commemorative coin, Rebecca Morgan, expressed her enthusiasm: "The works of George Orwell have influenced generations, and his most famous works are still being studied today – decades on from their first publication."

She added, "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."

Kevin Clancy, the director of the Royal Mint museum, commented, “Orwell’s writings are a natural choice for a £2 coin series celebrating Britain’s literary heritage. ” Renowned as a journalist and essayist, Orwell—real name Eric Blair—left an indelible mark on literature, critiquing social injustices and politics, influencing language and thoughts even to this very day.

The term "Orwellian" typically evokes images of oppressive regimes distorting the truth and chipping away at personal freedoms, while "Big Brother" conjures scenarios of invasive surveillance and strict controls. In a fitting tribute to the author who coined these terms, the Royal Mint is releasing a George Orwell commemorative £2 coin.

Coin collectors and fans alike can snap up their own piece of history when they go on sale in various finishes including brilliant uncirculated, gold proof, and silver proof from the Royal Mint’s website starting at 9am on January 15, with prices kicking off at £17.50. Additionally, those visiting the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, South Wales from January 20 will have the unique opportunity to strike their own George Orwell £2 collectable coin.