About the Artwork

Designed by sculptor Anthony Smith ARBS.
The Royal Mint has struck a 2013 UK £2 coin to mark the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the first striking of the guinea coin; a UK coin first as the anniversary of a circulation coin is celebrated on another.
The guinea enjoyed a rich history as the principal British gold coin issued from 1663 until the end of the Napoleonic wars. Originally struck in 1663 as a 20-shilling coin, the guinea`s value fluctuated with the price of gold, reaching some 30 shillings by the reign of William and Mary.
Designed by sculptor, Anthony Smith ARBS, the reverse of the £2 coin is inspired by the heraldic shield of the Royal Arms used on the well-known Spade Guinea of George III. The edge inscription WHAT IS A GUINEA? `TIS A SPLENDID THING is taken from a collection of odes and lyrics by Stephen Kemble from 1809. The inscription on the reverse of the coin, ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLDEN GUINEA refers to the fact that the guinea was only ever struck in gold.

Artist Comment

Anthony Smith, the artist, said, "The guinea has a long, fascinating history, but rather than crowd together various elements to tell the story, I thought that one guinea should speak for all. I studied all of the guineas minted under each of the seven monarchs and the guinea that struck me as the most iconic was undoubtedly the Spade Guinea with its strong and distinctive rendering of the Royal Arms, it is this crowned shield which forms the central element of my design.".
Display
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Year
2013

Guinea £2 Coin (2013 Commemorative Commission sculpture)

by Anthony Smith

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