New £2 special coin celebrates the life of literary great 75 years after his death
Share:
George Orwell, the renowned author of classics like 1984 and Animal Farm, is set to be honoured with a new £2 coin design. The Royal Mint is releasing this special coin to mark 75 years since the author's passing. The reverse or tails side of the coin pays homage to 1984, Orwell's dystopian masterpiece featuring Winston Smith, a character living under oppressive totalitarian rule and pervasive surveillance.
The coin's design, crafted by artist Henry Gray, features what seems to be an eye but is actually a camera lens at its centre. The phrase "Big Brother is watching you" surrounds the camera lens, while the coin’s edge inscription bears another quote: “There was truth and there was untruth.”.
The Royal Mint has previously commemorated other literary giants such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and JRR Tolkien on £2 coins. Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, expressed her delight in sharing this unique design with collectors and Orwell enthusiasts, saying: "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.". Eric Blair, who wrote under the pseudonym Orwell, used his writing to spotlight social injustices. His enduring influence can still be seen in the language we use today.
