THE ROYAL Mint is marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death by representing his work on £2 coins.
The three coin designs are by sculptor John Bergdahl and will showcase the three main genres of the Bard’s plays – tragedies, histories and comedies.
His tragedies are shown by a thorny rose next to a skull, while the histories are represented on a coin with a crown and sword, while a jester’s outfit carved on to the front of the coin represents the comedies.
The coins – which will go into circulation in the Spring – feature a different quote inscribed around the edge and have Shakespeare’s name stamped on the front.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) helped design the £2 coins – which they say will be followed by commemorative editions in future.
SBT head of retail Sue Croxford said: “We were delighted to be approached by the Royal Mint to help them develop these special coins to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
“This is an exciting addition to our growing range of licensing activity. We will also be selling the special commemorative collections of these coins in the gift shops at all the Shakespeare family homes, when they are launched – watch this space.”
Beatrix Potter, the Army and the Great Fire of London also featured on new coins, which have been designed to give a snapshot of Britain over the last 1,000 years.
They mark key moments, organisations and people who have shaped the nation.
