William Shakespeare £2 Coins: The Complete Collector's Guide

Introduction: The Bard on Britain's Currency

In 2016, The Royal Mint marked one of the most significant anniversaries in English literature—the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. To commemorate this milestone, they released a stunning series of three £2 coins, each celebrating a different genre of Shakespeare's theatrical works: Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies.

These coins quickly became some of the most sought-after modern British commemoratives, not just for their numismatic appeal, but for their striking designs—particularly the "skull" coin representing Tragedies, which has become an icon in contemporary British coinage. Whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast, a dedicated coin collector, or simply curious about what that unusual £2 in your pocket might be worth, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the William Shakespeare £2 coin collection.

The Three Shakespeare £2 Coin Designs

Each coin in the 2016 Shakespeare series represents one of the three major genres that defined his theatrical legacy. Designer John Bergdahl created distinctive, symbolic designs that capture the essence of each category while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision across the series.

William Shakespeare £2 Coin Values: What's It Worth?

Understanding the value of Shakespeare £2 coins requires considering several factors including condition, design, and whether the coin is circulated or a special collector's edition. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of current market values.

Circulated Coin Values (Used in Everyday Change)

Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Values

Brilliant Uncirculated coins are specially minted with superior quality and have never been in circulation. The Royal Mint sold these in presentation packaging.

Silver Proof and Precious Metal Editions

The Royal Mint produced limited edition silver proof versions of the Shakespeare coins, which command significantly higher prices.

Technical Specifications

All three Shakespeare £2 coins share identical technical specifications, adhering to the standard UK £2 coin format.

The Edge Inscription: "What a Piece of Work is a Man"

One of the most elegant features of the Shakespeare £2 series are the edge inscriptions.

Sir William Shakespeare: Britain's Literary Giant

To fully appreciate these commemorative coins, understanding the man they honor is essential. William Shakespeare (baptized 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) stands as the greatest writer in the English language and one of the most influential figures in world literature.

Early Life and Career

Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Shakespeare was the son of John Shakespeare, a successful glover and alderman, and Mary Arden, the daughter of an affluent landowning family. He likely attended the King's New School in Stratford, where he would have studied classical literature, rhetoric, and Latin—education that would profoundly influence his later works.

In 1582, at age 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior and pregnant with their first child. They had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. By 1592, Shakespeare had established himself in London as an actor, playwright, and part-owner of a playing company called the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men.

The Literary Legacy

Between approximately 1590 and 1613, Shakespeare produced an extraordinary body of work that continues to dominate world theatre four centuries later:

• 38 Plays spanning comedies, histories, and tragedies
• 154 Sonnets exploring themes of love, beauty, mortality, and time
• 2 Long Narrative Poems (Venus and Adonis, The Rape of Lucrece)
• Several Other Poems of varying attribution

His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare's works explore timeless themes—love and jealousy, ambition and betrayal, identity and mortality—with psychological depth and linguistic brilliance that has never been matched.

Innovation and Influence

Shakespeare's influence on the English language itself cannot be overstated. He invented approximately 1,700 words by changing nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, connecting words never before used together, adding prefixes and suffixes, and devising wholly original terms. Common phrases we use today—"break the ice," "wild goose chase," "heart of gold," "love is blind"—all originated in Shakespeare's works.

He revolutionized dramatic structure, moving beyond rigid classical conventions to create psychologically complex characters with rich inner lives. His exploration of human nature—the capacity for both nobility and depravity, wisdom and folly—remains unparalleled in depth and insight.

Death and Enduring Legacy

Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616 (his presumed birthday as well), at age 52, in Stratford-upon-Avon. He is buried in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. His epitaph, allegedly written by Shakespeare himself, reads:

"Good friend for Jesus sake forbear,
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones."

The 2016 commemorative coins mark 400 years since his death, but Shakespeare's works remain vibrantly alive. His plays are produced constantly across the globe, his sonnets are memorized by students, and his influence permeates literature, film, music, and popular culture. The decision to honor him on British currency reflects not just historical importance, but ongoing cultural relevance.

Shakespeare's Three Literary Genres

The three coin designs perfectly represent Shakespeare's threefold theatrical achievement:

Comedies: Works like A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, and Twelfth Night explore romantic love, mistaken identities, and social conventions, typically ending in marriage and reconciliation. Despite the label "comedy," these plays offer profound insights into human relationships and social dynamics.

Histories: The chronicle plays—including the Henry IV plays, Henry V, Richard II, and Richard III—dramatize English royal history from Richard II through Henry VIII. These works examine power, legitimacy, leadership, and national identity, often with complex moral ambiguity about the nature of kingship and political authority.

Tragedies: Shakespeare's great tragedies—Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet—explore fatal flaws, impossible choices, and the darkest aspects of human nature. These plays confront mortality, justice, love, jealousy, ambition, and the limits of human understanding with unmatched emotional and philosophical depth.

For comprehensive information about Shakespeare's life and works, visit the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which maintains his birthplace and other historic properties in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Collecting Shakespeare £2 Coins: A Practical Guide

Finding Shakespeare Coins in Circulation

Despite being released eight years ago, Shakespeare £2 coins remain in active circulation and can still be found in everyday change. Here's how to maximize your chances:

• Check Your Change Regularly: The most obvious method—examine every £2 coin you receive. The skull design is distinctive enough to spot quickly.
• Bank Coin Bags: Many UK banks will exchange sealed bags of £1 or £2 coins (typically £20 bags). These can yield multiple finds, though success varies by region.
• Coin Roll Hunting: Purchase coin rolls from banks and search through them systematically. This method requires patience but often produces results.
• Self-Service Checkouts: Retail locations with self-service tills that return coin change can be productive, as they cycle through large volumes of coins daily.
• Ask Local Businesses: Small businesses, particularly cafés and newsagents, may be willing to let you examine their £2 coins or swap common commemoratives from your collection.

Buying Shakespeare Coins

If hunting through change seems too time-consuming, several buying options exist:

Online Marketplaces:

• eBay: Largest selection with prices typically ranging £2-£5 for circulated examples. Watch for completed listings to gauge realistic prices. Be cautious of overpriced listings.
• Facebook Marketplace: Local sellers often offer reasonable prices, and you can inspect coins before purchasing.

Specialist Dealers:

• Coin Dealers: Reputable numismatic dealers may offer graded examples with guarantees of authenticity.
• Coin Fairs: Attending local coin shows allows you to see coins in person and negotiate prices directly.

Building a Complete Collection

Serious collectors might consider pursuing these collection goals:

1. Basic Circulated Set: One of each design in good circulated condition (£7-£9)
2. Brilliant Uncirculated Set: All three designs in original Royal Mint packaging (£35-£60)
3. Year Set with Other 2016 Commemoratives: Include other 2016 £2 coins like the Great Fire of London and Army £1
4. Condition Variety Set: Multiple examples of each design showing different wear levels
5. Complete Premium Set: BU, silver proof, and gold proof versions (significant investment £200+)

Proper Care and Storage

Preserving your Shakespeare coins ensures they maintain their value and appearance for years to come.

Handling Best Practices

• Hold by the Edge: Always grip coins by their edges, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces
• Clean Hands: Handle coins with clean, dry hands, or wear cotton gloves for premium specimens
• Work Surface: Place a soft cloth or coin mat on your work surface to prevent accidental drops onto hard surfaces
• Never Clean Coins: Cleaning coins with abrasives, chemicals, or even polishing cloths damages them and dramatically reduces value

Storage Solutions

For Circulated Coins:

• Coin albums specifically designed for UK £2 coins
• Individual 2x2 flips (cardboard holders with plastic windows)
• Coin tubes for bulk storage of the same denomination

For Uncirculated and Proof Coins:

• Keep in original Royal Mint packaging whenever possible
• Individual capsules (28.4mm for £2 coins) if removed from packaging
• Purpose-built coin boxes with individual compartments
• Store in a cool, dry environment away from temperature fluctuations

Environmental Considerations

• Humidity Control: Store coins in environments with 40-50% relative humidity; silica gel packets help in humid climates
• Temperature: Avoid extreme temperature changes which can cause metal expansion/contraction
• Air Quality: Keep away from sources of sulfur, chlorine, and acidic gases which accelerate toning and corrosion
• Light Exposure: Minimize exposure to direct sunlight which can cause fading of toning and affect certain metals over decades

Authentication and Avoiding Counterfeits

While counterfeit £2 coins exist, Shakespeare commemoratives are less commonly faked than some other designs. Nevertheless, awareness of authentication methods protects collectors.

Genuine Coin Characteristics

• Weight: Exactly 12.00g (use a precision scale accurate to 0.01g)
• Diameter: 28.4mm precisely
• Edge Inscription: Text Varies per coin, incused around the edge
• Design Sharpness: Details should be crisp and well-defined, particularly on skull features, crown details, and inscription lettering
• Bi-Metallic Construction: The outer ring should be distinctly yellow nickel-brass, the inner circle silvery cupro-nickel, with a clean junction line
• Magnetic Properties: Genuine £2 coins are slightly magnetic due to their nickel content

Red Flags for Counterfeits

• Incorrect weight (most common counterfeit tell)
• Blurry or soft details in design elements
• Wrong metal colors or uneven coloring in bi-metallic junction
• Misspellings in edge inscription or incorrect font
• Different feel or sound when dropped (experienced collectors can hear the difference)
• Prices far below market value (too good to be true usually is)

Where to Verify Authentication

If you're uncertain about a coin's authenticity:

• Visit local coin clubs where experienced collectors can examine in person
• Professional grading services like NGC authenticate and grade coins (fee-based)
• Consult established coin dealers who handle authentication as part of their service

The 2016 Shakespeare £2 Series in Context

The Shakespeare commemoration was part of a broader Renaissance in UK coin design during the 2010s. The Royal Mint has increasingly embraced artistic, culturally significant designs that celebrate British heritage while maintaining numismatic standards.

Companion 2016 Releases

Shakespeare wasn't the only commemorative release in 2016. Other notable £2 coins from that year include:

• Great Fire of London £2: Marking 350 years since the devastating 1666 fire
• Army £1: The final coin in the Royal Arms series before the new £1 introduction

British Literary Heritage on Coins

The Shakespeare series continues a tradition of honoring British literary figures on currency:

• Charles Dickens £2 (2012): Commemorating 200 years since his birth
• Jane Austen £2 (2017): Marking 200 years since her death
• Beatrix Potter 50p Series (2016-2017): Celebrating 150 years of the beloved children's author
• Charles Dickens £10 Note: Featured on polymer notes from 2017
• Jane Austen £10 Note: Current £10 note features Austen (introduced 2017)

This numismatic celebration of British literary achievement underscores the United Kingdom's unparalleled contribution to world literature and the enduring cultural importance of these writers.

Investment Potential and Market Outlook

While coin collecting should primarily be pursued for enjoyment and cultural appreciation, understanding market dynamics helps collectors make informed decisions.

Current Market Assessment

Circulated Coins: Shakespeare £2 coins in circulated condition offer minimal investment potential. They trade slightly above face value (£2-£3.50) and are unlikely to appreciate significantly in the medium term due to their mintage numbers. However, they represent zero downside risk—they'll always be worth at least £2 as legal tender.

Brilliant Uncirculated: BU sets purchased near original Royal Mint issue price (£30) have held value reasonably well, now trading at £35-£60. This represents modest appreciation in line with general collectible markets. Future appreciation depends on demand trends and condition preservation.

Silver and Gold Proofs: Precious metal editions benefit from both numismatic value and intrinsic metal content. These have performed better than BU sets, with silver proofs appreciating 20-40% above original purchase prices. Gold proofs follow gold market prices while carrying substantial numismatic premium.

Long-Term Outlook

Several factors suggest stable to positive long-term prospects:

• Cultural Permanence: Shakespeare's works and reputation aren't going anywhere—his cultural significance ensures ongoing interest
• Design Quality: The distinctive skull design has achieved iconic status, particularly appealing to non-specialist collectors
• Moderate Scarcity: While not rare, the coins aren't overly common either, providing reasonable supply-demand balance
• Circulation Attrition: Over time, coins are lost, damaged, or removed from circulation, gradually reducing available supply
• Cross-Collector Appeal: These coins attract Shakespeare enthusiasts, literary collectors, and numismatists—broadening the collector base

Investment Considerations

Resources for Shakespeare Coin Collectors

Official Resources

• The Royal Mint Museum - Historical information and museum collections

Shakespeare Resources

• Shakespeare Birthplace Trust - Official charity maintaining Shakespeare properties in Stratford-upon-Avon
• Royal Shakespeare Company - World-leading theatre company performing Shakespeare's works
• Shakespeare's Globe - Authentic reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre
• Folger Shakespeare Library - World's largest Shakespeare collection, digital resources

Numismatic Communities

• British Numismatic Society - Scholarly society for serious numismatists

Grading and Authentication

• Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) - Professional coin grading and authentication
• Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) - Alternative professional grading service

Start Your Shakespeare Collection Today

The William Shakespeare £2 coin series offers an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of British cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn by Shakespeare's literary legacy, the striking coin designs (especially that iconic skull), or the satisfaction of building a complete commemorative set, these coins represent accessible, meaningful collecting.

With moderate mintages, continued circulation availability, and design excellence, the 2016 Shakespeare series has earned its place among the most popular modern UK commemoratives. The Tragedies skull coin has become particularly iconic—a genuinely memorable design that transcends typical commemorative coinage.

Start by checking your change for these distinctive designs, or acquire a complete set from dealers to jumpstart your collection. Whether pursuing circulated examples found in everyday transactions or investing in brilliant uncirculated sets, you're connecting with four centuries of literary heritage every time you handle one of these remarkable coins.

About This Guide

This comprehensive guide to William Shakespeare £2 coins is maintained by UK Coins, Britain's leading resource for coin collectors. We provide accurate, up-to-date information on UK coinage to help collectors of all levels make informed decisions about their collections.

Our information is compiled from official Royal Mint sources, established numismatic references, active monitoring of the collector marketplace, and years of experience in UK numismatics. We regularly update our guides to reflect current market conditions, new discoveries, and evolving collector trends.

Whether you're searching for Shakespeare coins in your change, building a comprehensive UK commemorative collection, or simply learning about these fascinating pieces of cultural heritage, we're here to provide the reliable information you need.

Last updated: December 2025