He was a writer concerned with poverty, class and power; we will never know how George Orwell would feel about being commemorated on a coin.
The Royal Mint had announced that the author of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm and Coming Up for Air is to be honoured on a new £2 coin to coincide with the 75th anniversary of his death.
The reverse of the coin pays tribute to one of his most famous novels, Nineteen Eighty-Four, with an image of what appears to be an eye but is in fact a camera lens at the centre; the quote, “Big Brother is Watching You”, encircles the camera lens, while the coin’s edge inscription reads: “THERE WAS TRUTH AND THERE WAS UNTRUTH.”
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint said: “The works of George Orwell have influenced generations, and his most famous works are still being studied today – decades on from their first publication. I am delighted to share this unique design with collectors and fans of Orwell’s work, paying tribute to one of the most world-renowned authors of the 20th century.”
Much of Orwell’s nonfiction work served as commentaries based on his real-life experiences, including living in poverty, and serving as a Republican volunteer during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship in Spain.
The £2 coin is one the most favoured denominations among collectors, according to the Royal Mint.
Since its introduction to the coinage of the UK in 1998, the £2 coin has seen more than 50 reverse designs, including coins commemorating other literary figures including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and JRR Tolkien.
From 20 January, visitors to The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, south Wales, will have the unique opportunity to strike their own George Orwell £2 collectible coin. Tickets to strike your own coin are available to buy at check-in for an additional £7.50 a coin.
The George Orwell commemorative £2 coin will be available to buy in Brilliant Uncirculated, Gold Proof and Silver Proof editions from the Royal Mint website at 9am on 15 January.
Source: theguardian.com
