United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 2 Pounds

History

2 Pounds 2016, KM# 1385, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 400th Anniversary of Death of William Shakespeare, Shakespeare Tragedies

2 Pounds 2016, KM# 1385, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 400th Anniversary of Death of William Shakespeare, Shakespeare Tragedies, Three-coin BU set

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

Description

William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet, and the "Bard of Avon". Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were primarily comedies and histories, which are regarded as some of the best work ever produced in these genres. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in the English language. In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances, and collaborated with other playwrights.

William Shakespeare remains a household name 400 years after his death. His works make many references to coins, so it is apt that for 2016, three £2 coins reflect three aspects of his work: Tragedies, Histories and Comedies.

Obverse	Crown, jewelry Diamond Diadem Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings. The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith. Engraver: Jody Clark ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·2 POUNDS· J.C
Reverse	Person (writer, poet, philosopher etc.) William Shakespeare Tree, flower, plant etc. Rose Skull with a rose within the inner circle surrounding inscription. The scull of a jester Yorick appears in the act V of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet, is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare between 1599 and 1602. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatises the revenge Prince Hamlet is called to wreak upon his uncle, Claudius, by the ghost of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet. Claudius had murdered his own brother and seized the throne, also marrying his deceased brother's widow. Engraver: John Bergdahl WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE JB 2016
Edge	Reeded and lettered The phrase "What a piece of work is a man!" is attributed to William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, and is part of a monologue by the eponymous character concerning humans and their abilities. WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS A MAN