The William Shakespeare 2 pound coin is one of the most talked-about commemorative coins released by The Royal Mint. Issued in 2016 to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of the legendary playwright, this coin series quickly became a favourite among collectors and fans of British history.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin, including its designs, meaning, mintage, value, error coins, and why it remains such a fascinating piece of UK coinage.
1. Background of the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
In 2016, The Royal Mint issued the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin collection to honour 400 years since the playwright’s death. Instead of releasing a single design, they launched a three-coin series, each celebrating one of Shakespeare’s dramatic genres — Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories.
The series became instantly popular because it captured the essence of Shakespeare’s works through symbolic and meaningful artwork. Each William Shakespeare 2 pound coin in the collection represents a different side of human experience — laughter, sorrow, and power.
This release also coincided with global celebrations of Shakespeare’s life and influence, making the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin a truly cultural masterpiece.
2. The Designs of the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin Series
All three versions of the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin share the same obverse (front) side, featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark. The reverse side of each coin, however, is unique and beautifully themed.
A. The Comedies Coin
- Design: A jester’s hat and staff symbolizing Shakespeare’s humour and wit.
- Edge Inscription: “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE.”
- Designer: John Bergdahl.
- Mintage: Around 4,355,000 pieces.
This William Shakespeare 2 pound coin celebrates comedies such as Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and As You Like It. It’s a fun, whimsical design that captures Shakespeare’s ability to make audiences laugh for centuries.
B. The Tragedies Coin
- Design: A skull and rose, representing mortality, passion, and love lost.
- Edge Inscription: “WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN.”
- Designer: John Bergdahl.
- Mintage: Approximately 4,615,000 coins.
This is arguably the most dramatic William Shakespeare 2 pound coin in the series. It references tragedies like Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. The skull design makes it one of the most iconic UK coins ever struck.
C. The Histories Coin
- Design: A crown and sword crossing each other, representing the fight for the throne in Shakespeare’s history plays.
- Edge Inscription: “THE HOLLOW CROWN.”
- Designer: John Bergdahl.
- Mintage: Around 5,695,000 coins.
This William Shakespeare 2 pound coin honours plays like Henry IV, Henry V, and Richard III, where power, war, and politics dominate. The symbolism of the crown and sword captures these timeless themes perfectly.
3. Specifications of the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
| Specification | Details |
| Year of Issue | 2016 |
| Metal Composition | Outer: Nickel-Brass; Inner: Cupro-Nickel |
| Weight | 12.00 g |
| Diameter | 28.4 mm |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark |
| Reverse Designer | John Bergdahl |
| Edge | Milled with inscription |
| Denomination | £2 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
Every William Shakespeare 2 pound coin follows the same technical format as standard UK £2 coins. The difference lies in their artistic detail and literary symbolism.
4. Are the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coins Rare?
In general, the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin series is not considered rare in circulation because of the high mintage numbers. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not valuable or collectible.
Rarity Overview
| Coin Type | Estimated Mintage | Rarity Level |
| Comedies | 4,355,000 | Common |
| Tragedies | 4,615,000 | Common but popular |
| Histories | 5,695,000 | Common |
While the coins are not rare in the traditional sense, they are culturally significant, and collectors prize them for their themes, condition, and occasional minting errors.
5. The Famous William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin Error
One of the biggest reasons the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin made headlines is because of the alleged “error” version of the Tragedies coin.
Some collectors noticed that a few Tragedies coins had the wrong edge inscription — “FOR KING AND COUNTRY” — which actually belongs to the First World War Army £2 coin.
These rare misprints sparked major excitement, with listings on eBay fetching hundreds of pounds. However, The Royal Mint later confirmed that authentic errors are very rare, and many supposed “error coins” were either fakes or misidentified.
Still, the potential for finding an error William Shakespeare 2 pound coin keeps collectors intrigued.
6. Market Value of the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin in 2025
Let’s break down the current estimated values for each William Shakespeare 2 pound coin type as of 2025:
| Type | Condition | Approximate Value (GBP) |
| Comedies (Circulated) | £2.50 – £3.00 | |
| Tragedies (Circulated) | £2.50 – £3.50 | |
| Histories (Circulated) | £2.00 – £3.00 | |
| Any (Brilliant Uncirculated) | £10 – £15 | |
| Proof Sets (3-coin set) | £35 – £50 | |
| Verified Error Coin | £80 – £150+ |
These prices are averages from reputable coin dealers such as The Royal Mint, ChangeChecker, and CoinHunter. Condition, packaging, and provenance all influence the final price of your William Shakespeare 2 pound coin.
7. How to Check Your William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
If you find one of these coins in your change, here’s how to verify what you have:
- Check the year – All official coins are dated 2016.
- Read the edge inscription – Make sure it matches the design type.
- Inspect the condition – A shiny, scratch-free coin will hold higher value.
- Look for packaging – If it came from The Royal Mint in a case or card, it’s a collector’s edition.
- Check for errors – Misprints or mismatched inscriptions may make your coin more valuable.
The William Shakespeare 2 pound coin has several variations, so always cross-reference your coin with trusted resources like ChangeChecker.org or The Royal Mint website.
8. Tips for Collecting and Preserving Your William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
If you’re building a coin collection, the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin series is a perfect start. Follow these tips to maintain their value:
Handling:
Hold coins by the edges only — never touch the faces. Fingerprints can reduce condition and value.
Storage:
Store your William Shakespeare 2 pound coin in a coin capsule or album. Keep it away from moisture, direct sunlight, and temperature changes.
Cleaning:
Never polish or scrub your coins. Even minor cleaning can scratch the surface and lower their grade.
Cataloguing:
Keep notes about where and when you obtained your William Shakespeare 2 pound coin, and record its condition and packaging details.
9. Why Collectors Love the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
There are several reasons collectors around the world admire the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin series:
- Cultural Legacy: It celebrates the most influential writer in the English language.
- Artistic Design: Each coin tells a story through powerful imagery.
- Educational Value: It encourages people to learn about literature and British history.
- Affordable Collecting: Easy to find and inexpensive, ideal for beginners.
- Potential Growth: As the series ages, demand for pristine sets may rise.
The William Shakespeare 2 pound coin is more than money — it’s a tribute to creativity, storytelling, and human emotion.
10. Buying and Selling the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
If you want to buy or sell, here are reliable sources:
Where to Buy:
- The Royal Mint official shop
- CoinHunter.co.uk
- ChangeChecker.org
- eBay (check seller feedback carefully)
- Local coin dealers
Where to Sell:
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Etsy)
- Coin collector fairs
- Specialist coin dealers
- Facebook collector groups
Before selling your William Shakespeare 2 pound coin, research recent sales to set a fair price.
11. The Legacy of the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
The William Shakespeare 2 pound coin is more than just another piece of metal — it’s a symbol of how modern coinage can tell stories from history.
Each design highlights one of Shakespeare’s timeless themes:
- Comedy: Laughter and joy.
- Tragedy: Love and loss.
- History: Power and destiny.
These coins connect everyday people with literature, ensuring Shakespeare’s influence lives on in our pockets as well as on stage.
12. Conclusion
The William Shakespeare 2 pound coin remains one of the most creative commemorative coins of the 21st century. Whether you own one or all three designs, each carries a piece of British heritage and artistic brilliance.
While most are not extremely rare, their emotional and historical value continues to make them favourites among collectors. So next time you find a William Shakespeare 2 pound coin in your change — don’t spend it! You might be holding a small piece of cultural history.
FAQs About the William Shakespeare 2 Pound Coin
1. How many William Shakespeare 2 pound coins were made?
Three designs were issued in 2016 — Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories — with total mintages of around 14 million combined.
2. Is the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin rare?
Not extremely rare, but highly collectible. The Tragedies coin is often the most sought-after version.
3. What is the value of the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin?
Circulated coins are worth around £2.50–£3.50, while proof and error coins can be worth much more.
4. What does the William Shakespeare 2 pound coin represent?
It represents Shakespeare’s three major types of plays — comedies, tragedies, and histories — through unique designs and inscriptions.
5. Where can I sell my William Shakespeare 2 pound coin?
You can sell through The Royal Mint’s exchange partners, CoinHunter, or online platforms like eBay, making sure to verify authenticity first.
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