I thought that I had stumble on something from The Onion when I saw a story about a £2 George Orwell commemorative coin being minted in the UK. Shockingly, it was a true story. The Royal Mint will honor author George Orwell with a new £2 coin, released in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of his death.
“One of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, George Orwell, will be honoured on a new £2 coin, The Royal Mint has revealed today.
Released in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the author’s death, the reverse (tails) design pays tribute to one of his most famous novels, 1984. Experienced coin artist Henry Gray (The Who, Buckingham Palace) has created 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’, another quote from the novel.
The £2 coin is one the most favoured denominations among collectors. Since its introduction to the definitive coinage of the United Kingdom in 1998, the £2 coin has seen over 50 reverse designs, including coins commemorating other literary figures including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and JRR Tolkien.”
I am shocked that the Orwell Foundation agreed to this crass commercialization of George Orwell’s work and legacy.
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