1807 2 Pound Coin

Introducing the 1807 2 Pound Coin 

To commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the 1807 Slave Trade Act, an important moment in British history, the Royal Mint released the 1807 2 pound coin in 2007. The campaign to abolish the slave trade was led by William Wilberforce, and eventually gained the support of the Prime Minister, Lord Grenville. After twenty years of fighting to get the bill through Parliament, the bill received Royal Assent on 25 March 1807. The act would prohibit the slave trade throughout the British Empire and eventually lead to its complete abolition throughout the Empire in 1833. 

1807 Slave Trade 2007 £2 Coin 

The Slave Trade 2 pound coin is simple but striking in its design, with the year 1807 as the main focal point on its reverse side. Designed by David Gentleman, the year’s zero contains the broken link in ‘the chains of oppression.’ Around the perimeter of the coin are the words ‘An Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade.’ The 1807 2 pound coin also has an edge inscription taken from British potter Josiah Wedgwood’s famous medallion, ‘Am I Not a Man and a Brother.’ 

(Caption: “Am I Not a Man and a Brother?” medallion created as part of anti-slavery campaign by Josiah Wedgwood, 1787)

How Much is the Slave Trade 2 Pound Coin Worth?

The Slave Trade 2 pound coin has a mintage of 8.4 million. It’s considered a common coin to find. Like the Brunel Paddington Station 2-pound coin, this one is being sold on eBay at a much higher price than what you’d expect! As of 2019, the highest price was an amazing £600 for what seems to be a circulation coin. 

Other Versions of the 1807 2 Pound Coin

There’s a popular theory on the internet that there are two types of circulation Slave Trade 2-pound coin; this is half true. There are two types, but only one was meant for circulation. The circulation version is the one with the textured finish. The other has a smoother finish and the designer’s initials ‘DG’ on the right, near the number 7. These kinds of 2-pound coins are the uncirculated or proof version. If you found one of the smooth ones in your change, it’s a better quality coin and therefore of higher value – keep this one! 

The Royal Mint also released different metal versions of the 2-pound coin. You can get the Slave Trade 2-pound coin in Silver Proof (mintage of 10,000), Silver Proof Piedfort (mintage of 5,000), Gold Proof (mintage of 1,000). There is also the base metal Brilliant Uncirculated version with a mintage of 100,000.