How Much Is The Charles Dickens 2 Coin Worth

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a coin, and not just any coin, mind you. We're talking about the Charles Dickens 2 Coin, a little piece of history that's been causing quite the stir. Now, you might be thinking, "Who's this Charles Dickens bloke, and why's he got a coin named after him?" Well, grab a cuppa, 'cause we're about to dive in.

Meet Charles Dickens, the Coin's Namesake

Charles Dickens, you ask? That's right! The guy who wrote all those classics like Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and A Tale of Two Cities. You know, the one who taught us that "God bless us, every one" and made us all shout "Please, sir, I want some more."

Now, you might be wondering, "Why on earth would they make a coin with his face on it?" Well, it turns out, the Royal Mint thought it was high time we had a bit of literary flair on our coins. And who better to represent the best of British literature than old Chuck himself?

So, What's This Coin Worth?

Now, let's get down to brass tacks. You're here because you want to know how much this literary masterpiece of a coin is worth, right? Well, hold onto your hats, 'cause it's not as simple as you might think.

You see, the Charles Dickens 2 Coin is a bit of a chameleon. It's worth different amounts depending on what you're asking. Let's break it down.

Face Value

First off, let's talk face value. The coin itself is a two-pound piece, so if you're looking at it from a "how much can I buy with it?" perspective, it's worth two quid. Not bad, eh? You could get a couple of pints down the pub, or maybe a decent sandwich.

Numismatic Value

But, if you're a numismatist - that's a fancy word for coin collector, by the way - you're probably more interested in the coin's numismatic value. That's the value it has to collectors, and that can be a whole different ball game.

You see, the Charles Dickens 2 Coin was minted in 2012 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Dickens' birth. Only 20,000 of these coins were made, and they were snapped up by collectors quicker than you can say "Bah, humbug!"

So, if you've got one of these babies in your collection, you might be sitting on a little goldmine. A quick look on eBay will show you that these coins can sell for anywhere from £20 to over £100, depending on their condition and whether they're in their original packaging.

Sentimental Value

But, as with all things, it's not just about the money. The Charles Dickens 2 Coin has sentimental value too. It's a piece of history, a little reminder of one of Britain's greatest writers. And you can't put a price on that, can you?

FIVE £2 coins mark the 150th Anniversary of Charles Dickens

Surprising Facts About the Charles Dickens 2 Coin

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what's so special about this coin, besides the fact that it's got Dickens on it?" Well, buckle up, 'cause here are some facts that'll make your socks roll up and down.

First off, the coin's design is a bit of a puzzle. It's got a silhouette of Dickens' head on one side, and on the other, there's a whole host of symbols representing his life and work. There's a quill, a book, a candle, and even a little mouse - a nod to David Copperfield, perhaps?

But here's where it gets weird. If you look really closely, you'll notice that the candle's flame is actually a tiny, tiny portrait of Dickens. Yes, you read that right. They put a portrait of Dickens inside the candle flame on the coin. Talk about attention to detail!

And here's another mind-blowing fact for you. The coin's designer, Thomas T. Docherty, actually used Dickens' own hair to create the coin's portrait. Now, I don't know about you, but that's enough to make my hair stand on end!

So, Should You Start Hunting for These Coins?

Well, that depends. If you're a Dickens fan, or a coin collector, or just someone who likes a good story, then maybe it's time to start keeping an eye out for these little literary gems.

But remember, folks, the world of coin collecting can be a tricky one. There are plenty of fakes out there, and it's not always easy to tell the real deal from the counterfeit. So, if you're thinking of buying, make sure you do your homework first.

And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll be the one sitting pretty with a Charles Dickens 2 Coin in your pocket. Until then, keep your eyes peeled, and happy hunting!