Magna Carta 2 Pound Coin

Introducing the Magna Carta £2 Coin

To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, the Royal Mint released this special 2 pound coin in 2015. The Magna Carta is the document that marks the journey for freedom for ordinary citizens in the UK and worldwide. Created in 1215, King John of England made an outstanding agreement with his barons, declaring that the authority of the king was subject to the same rule of law as common men as well as listing the liberties free men would have. The importance of this document has been used again and again throughout the UK and the world’s history as a way to defend civil liberties among other rights.

Magna Carta 2015 £2 Coin

The Magna Carta 2 pound coin is designed with a medieval style, referencing the original time period of the document. Designed by John Bergdahl, the design features King John of England in the centre, holding a quill in one hand and the Magna Carta in the other. Two patient noblemen, a bishop and a baron, also flank him. It’s interesting to note that the quill is only symbolic since the King would have approved it with a wax seal, not a signature. Along the edge of the Magna Carta two pound coin is an inscription emphasising the significance of the document with the words, ‘Foundation of Liberty.’

Bergdahl said this about his design, “I wanted to include the figures who would have been key players at the formation of the Magna Carta at Runnymede. I was influenced by the art of the medieval period, which was quite uncomplicated and crude, and the ornate cornice and rose carvings echo the architecture of the era reflecting the time the Magna Carta was created. The inscription uses medieval-style font that surrounds the design as the inscription on King John’s royal seal did in the middle ages.”

(Caption: The Magna Carta)

How Much is the Magna Carta 2 Pound Coin Worth?

This coin is considered “Less Common”, but still generally easy to find in your change, with a mintage value of just under 1.5 million. The collector’s value for good condition coins hovers around £3. On eBay, in 2019 so far, the highest price found for a normal circulation Magna Carta 2 pound coin was £3.40.

Other Magna Carta Coin Versions

This Magna Carta coin has two versions, differing between the obverse designers. One has the 4th crowned portrait of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley and the other has the 5th crowned portrait by Jody Clark. Presentation packs released in 2015 contained the 4th portrait version while the majority of circulation coins feature the 5th portrait version.

The Magna Carta 2 pound coin was also released in non-circulating Gold Proof (Mintage: 400), Silver Proof (Mintage: 2000), Silver Proof Piedfort (Mintage: 2000), and Brilliant Uncirculated versions.