Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 200th Anniversary of the National Gallery
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 200th Anniversary of the National Gallery
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 200th Anniversary of the National Gallery, Blister packaging
Description

The Royal Mint released a £2 coin to mark the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery.

Since its inception, the National Gallery has been committed to making art accessible to everyone. The collection, now comprising over 2,300 paintings, originated with 38 pictures acquired from financier John Julius Angerstein by parliament in April 1824. Initially housed at Angerstein's Pall Mall residence, it later moved to Trafalgar Square in 1838 for its central location. Despite enduring bombings in World War II, the Gallery has stood as an art epicenter since 1824, featuring works by British artists like William Hogarth and John Constable, as well as renowned international artists such as Rembrandt and Vincent van Gogh. Open to all, it remains a cultural hub.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•50 PENCE•2024 •
MJ

Reverse

Depicts the Wilkins Building of the National Gallery at the center, with the anniversary itself framing the building in a semi-circle.

The first proposal for a National Gallery on Trafalgar Square came from John Nash, envisioning it at the King's Mews site, along with a Parthenon-like structure for the Royal Academy in the square's center. Economic challenges prevented Nash's plan, leading to a competition in 1831, won by William Wilkins. Facing limitations on depth due to adjacent buildings, public right-of-way issues, and financial constraints, the resulting building was criticized for being excessively low and lacking the desired focal point. Recycled columns from Carlton House and sculptures intended for Nash's Marble Arch contributed to its unfavorable reception.

Engraver: Edwina Ellis (3E)

200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY
3E

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 0.8 g
Diameter 8 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

Silver Proof Coin

200th Anniversary of the National Gallery

Bi-Metallic, 12 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
Silver Proof Piedfort Coin

200th Anniversary of the National Gallery

Bi-Metallic, 24 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm