In 2016, The Royal Mint issued a highly celebrated set of £2 coins commemorating the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, widely regarded as the greatest playwright and poet in British history. The three coins represent Shakespeare’s iconic dramatic genres — Histories, Comedies, and Tragedies — each with a unique design capturing the essence of the Bard’s timeless works. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the significance, artistry, specifications, mintage figures, collectability, market value, and helpful tips for owning this landmark coin set. Whether you are a numismatist, Shakespeare enthusiast, or cultural historian, this article provides expert insights into the 2016 Shakespeare £2 coin set.
William Shakespeare: Cultural and Literary Icon
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare’s influence on English language and literature is immeasurable. Over his lifetime, he crafted 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and numerous poems, enriching the realms of comedy, tragedy, and historical drama. Shakespeare’s works continue to shape theatre, education, and popular culture globally, making his commemoration through coinage particularly poignant.
The coin set honours his dramatic genres:
- Histories: Chronicles the lives and reigns of England’s monarchs, exploring themes of power, legacy, and national identity.
- Comedies: Celebrates Shakespeare’s humorous and romantic plays filled with wit, mistaken identities, and social commentary.
- Tragedies: Reflects deeply on fate, ambition, morality, and human suffering through some of his most famous dark dramas.
Artistic Design and Symbolism of the Coins
Designed by Royal Mint engraver John Bergdahl, the reverse of each £2 coin vividly encapsulates one genre’s emblem:
- Histories:
The reverse features a royal crown pierced by a dagger, symbolising political intrigue, battles, and betrayal that define plays like Henry IV, Richard III, and King John. The edge inscription reads “THE HOLLOW CROWN,” referencing Shakespeare’s reflection on the ephemeral nature of power. - Comedies:
A jester’s cap and stick take centre stage on this coin, celebrating the comedic theatre and Shakespeare’s love for humorous storytelling found in works like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night. The edge is inscribed with the famous line “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE” from As You Like It, nodding to the theatrical craft. - Tragedies:
A skull pierced by a rose symbolises mortality and tragic love, evoking Shakespeare’s darkest plays such as Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello. The rose represents eternal love, while the skull alludes to looming death. The edge inscription contains Hamlet’s contemplative phrase, “WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN.”
The obverse side of all three coins showcases Queen Elizabeth II’s fifth official portrait by Jody Clark, unveiled in 2015, continuing her reign with a dignified and contemporary photographic realism.
Technical Specifications
Each coin in the Shakespeare set shares identical physical attributes ensuring consistency:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | £2 |
| Diameter | 28.40 mm |
| Weight | 12.00 grams |
| Composition | Inner: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) Outer: Nickel-brass (76% copper, 20% zinc, 4% nickel) |
| Edge Inscription | “THE HOLLOW CROWN” (Histories) “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE” (Comedies) “WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN” (Tragedies) |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Finish | Circulating standard |
| Shape | Round |
Mintage and Circulation
Initial mintage figures released by the Royal Mint in 2016 for the coins were:
- Histories: 4,615,000
- Comedies: 4,355,000
- Tragedies: 5,995,000
However, in 2019, updates clarified actual figures:
- Histories: 5,655,000
- Tragedies: 4,615,000
- Comedies remained at 4,355,000
These figures make the Comedies and Tragedies coins among the top 30 rarest UK £2 coins in circulation based purely on mintage data.
Collectability and Market Value in 2025
The Shakespeare coin set holds a special place for both numismatists and cultural collectors. While the coins circulate widely in the UK, their:
- Circulating Coins: Usually exchange at face value (£2), but well-kept or uncirculated examples rise to £5-£15.
- Complete Sets: Collectors prize full Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories sets, often selling between £30 and £50.
- Error Coins: Rare minting errors or misprints can fetch significantly higher prices, attracting specialist collectors.
- Proof and BU Coins: Available through The Royal Mint, these polished examples are made for collectors and command premium prices often above £50.
Collectors are advised to buy from reputable dealers, protect coins from damage, and research the market before investing.
Educational and Cultural Significance
The Shakespeare coins encourage appreciation of Britain’s literary heritage. They serve as educational tools connecting school curricula with tangible cultural artifacts, popularising Shakespeare’s words and themes in a modern context. Royal Shakespeare Company theatres and educational institutions often feature the coins in displays, highlighting their role as cultural heritage pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What characters or themes are represented on the 2016 Shakespeare coins?
They symbolise three dramatic genres: crown and dagger for Histories, jester’s cap for Comedies, skull and rose for Tragedies.
2. Are the Shakespeare £2 coins rare?
They are common circulation coins but with relatively low mintage, especially the Comedies and Tragedies, making them prized by collectors.
3. What metals are used in these coins?
They are bimetallic, comprising a cupro-nickel inner disc and nickel-brass outer ring.
4. Who designed these coins?
The reverse designs were created by John Bergdahl; the obverse features Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait by Jody Clark.
5. Where can I purchase these coins?
You can buy them from The Royal Mint, authorised dealers, and reputable secondary markets.
Final Thoughts
The 2016 William Shakespeare £2 coin set is a masterful homage to Britain’s most influential literary figure. Each coin encapsulates themes central to Shakespeare’s work while embodying exquisite craftsmanship. Their educational and cultural significance combined with collector appeal makes this set a memorable and valuable addition to any collection. As of 2025, these coins continue to inspire interest in British heritage and offer a tangible connection to Shakespeare’s timeless legacy.
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Authoritative UK Information:
UK Government Official Site
BBC News
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