Dove of Peace 2 Pound Coin

Introducing the Dove of Peace 2 Pound Coin

On 8 May 1945, the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany’s forces. That day is now celebrated every year as Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day. World War II had brought devastation and ruin throughout Europe, with millions dead and millions more homeless. Because of the aftermath, the Allies formed the United Nations in 1945 to create a forum for international diplomacy and cooperation. The Royal Mint released a second 2 pound coin in 1995 in connection with the Dove of Peace 2 pound coin to celebrate the founding of the UN. 

1995 Dove of Peace 2 Pound Coin

The Dove of Peace 2 pound coin features a stylised dove holding an olive branch by John Mills. It represents peace, calm, and optimism. The obverse side features the third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael David Maklouf. 

The edge inscription has ’1945 In Peace Goodwill 1995’, taken from the title page of Winston Churchill’s ‘History of the Second World War.’ It’s the only area on the coin where the year of issue is displayed. Both the obverse and reverse side do not show the year. 

Like the Tercentenary 2-pound coin, this was released when the Royal Mint issued these coins only for special events. 2-pound coins created before 1997 have the single gold colour. Two-pound coins produced after 1997, meant for yearly general circulation, have the bi-colour appearance. 

(Caption: Winston Churchill waving on the day he confirms that the war with Germany was over)

How Much is the Dove of Peace 2 Pound Coin Worth?

The mintage figure is inconclusive for the Dove of Peace 2 pound coin. Some sources say about 4.4 million while others list it about 6.1 million. On eBay, as of May 2019, the highest price for a Brilliant Uncirculated version was £19.95. It was still packaged in its original presentation pack. 

Other Versions of the Dove of Peace 1995 2 Pound Coin

The Royal Mint has also released versions for collectors. There is the Brilliant Uncirculated version, Silver Proof (mintage 35,751), Silver Proof Piedfort (mintage of 10,000), and Gold Proof (mintage 2,500). 

Other Pre-1997 £2 Coins

If you’re interested in more ‘gold’ 2-pound coins, Chancery Collection also has the 1989 Tercentenary of the Bill of Rights 2 pound coin, as mentioned earlier and the 1986 XIII Commonwealth Games 2 pound coin.