Finding a two pound william shakespeare coin in your loose change can feel like stumbling upon a small piece of British history. Released by The Royal Mint in 2016 to mark 400 years since the Bard’s passing, this iconic series remains a favorite among UK coin collectors and everyday change-checkers alike. But how much is your £2 coin actually worth today, and which version do you have?
Let’s dive into the history, mintages, values, and rare error variations that make these coins so sought after.
The 2016 Shakespeare £2 Coin Trio Explained
Unlike standard commemorative coins, The Royal Mint released a set of three distinct £2 coins in 2016 to honor Shakespeare’s legendary literary works:
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Tragedies (Skull & Rose): Features a skull with a rose piercing through it, accompanied by the famous edge inscription “WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN”.
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Comedies (Jester’s Cap): Shows a jester’s cap and stick with the edge inscription “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE”.
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Histories (Crown & Sword): Depicts a royal crown pierced by a dagger, with the edge inscription “THE HOLLOW CROWN”.
Mintage Figures & Scarcity
Are these coins rare? Here is the official circulation breakdown:
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Tragedies: ~5.6 Million minted (Most common)
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Histories: ~4.6 Million minted
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Comedies: ~4.3 Million minted (Slightly rarer)
While millions were produced for general circulation, finding one in mint condition or finding the complete set of three is getting harder as collectors scoop them up.
How Much is the Shakespeare £2 Coin Worth?
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Circulated Condition: A standard circulated coin from your pockets is typically worth between £3.00 to £5.00.
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Uncirculated / BU (Brilliant Uncirculated): Mint condition coins in original Royal Mint packaging can fetch £8.00 to £15.00+ individually.
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Complete Sets: A complete 3-coin set in good condition often sells online for £12.00 to £25.00.
Watch Out For Rare Errors! (Worth Up to £50+)
If you want to make real money, check the edge of your coins!
There is a known minting error on the Tragedies (Skull) coin where the edge inscription accidentally received the text meant for the First World War £2 coin: “FOR KING AND COUNTRY” instead of “WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN”. These rare error coins can sell for £30 to £80+ on auction sites like eBay!
Final Verdict
While the two pound william shakespeare coin won’t make you an overnight millionaire, it is a fun, valuable piece of British numismatic art. Keep an eye on your change, inspect the edges carefully, and consider keeping the full set in your collection!
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