William Shakespeare 2016 2 Pound Coin Worth

Shakespeare's Silver Screen: Unveiling the 2016 2 Pound Coin

Alright, coin collectors and history buffs, gather 'round. We're about to dive into the world of numismatics, or as we like to call it, 'coin-versation'. Today's star of the show? The 2016 2 Pound coin, a silver screen sensation paying homage to none other than the Bard himself, William Shakespeare.

Meet the Coin

The Royal Mint, in all its glory, struck this beauty to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. It's a silver proof coin, which means it's made of sterling silver and has a mirror-like finish, making it a true collector's item. And the best part? It's worth £2, but if you're lucky enough to find one in mint condition, it could be worth a whole lot more.

Now, let's talk design. The coin's obverse features the fifth portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, designed by Jody Clark. But the real star is the reverse, designed by John Bergdahl. It depicts Shakespeare in his study, quill in hand, surrounded by pages of his plays. It's like a snapshot of the Bard in his element, and it's absolutely stunning.

Shakespeare: The Original Storyteller

Before we delve into the coin's value, let's take a moment to appreciate the man behind the money. William Shakespeare, born in 1564, was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He's widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His works include 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Hamlet', 'Macbeth', and many more. He was the original storyteller, the Netflix of his time, if you will.

Fun fact: Did you know that Shakespeare was also an investor in the theatre where many of his plays were performed? He was a man of many talents, and a shrewd businessman to boot. Now that's what we call a Renaissance man.

Coin Value: A Tale of Two Pounds

So, you're probably wondering, 'How much is this 2 Pound coin worth?' Well, that depends. If you're talking about face value, it's worth £2. But if you're talking about its numismatic value, that's a different story.

The 2016 2 Pound coin was released in a limited edition of 35,000. That means it's already a rare find. And as with any rare coin, its value can increase over time. A coin in mint condition, in its original packaging, could fetch anywhere from £50 to over £100 at auction. Not bad for a coin that's worth just two quid, right?

2016 William Shakespeare £2 Coin: Jester, Skull & Crown Editions.

But here's the thing: coin collecting is a bit like investing. It's all about timing and patience. You might not see a return on your investment right away, but if you hold onto that coin and its value increases, you could be sitting on a small fortune.

Caring for Your Coin

So, you've got your hands on a 2016 2 Pound coin. Now what? Well, if you want to preserve its value, you'll need to take good care of it. Here are a few tips:

• Keep it in its original packaging. This protects the coin from damage and also proves its authenticity.
• Store it in a cool, dry place. Coins can tarnish over time, so it's best to keep them away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Don't clean it. The patina, or natural wear and tear, on a coin can actually increase its value. So, resist the urge to polish it up.

Shakespeare in Our Daily Lives

As we wrap up our 'coin-versation', let's take a moment to reflect on Shakespeare's enduring legacy. His plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. His works are studied in schools around the world, and his phrases have become part of our everyday language.

Think about it: 'Break the ice', 'wild goose chase', 'dead as a doornail' - these are all phrases coined by Shakespeare. And let's not forget 'to be or not to be', a question that's been pondered by millions of people over the centuries.

So, the next time you find yourself in a coin shop, or even just flipping through your pocket change, remember the Bard. Remember the power of storytelling, the beauty of language, and the timelessness of a well-told tale. And who knows? You might just find a little piece of history in your hand.