United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 2 Pounds

History

2 Pounds 2016, KM# 1384, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 400th Anniversary of Death of William Shakespeare, Shakespeare Histories

2 Pounds 2016, KM# 1384, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 400th Anniversary of Death of William Shakespeare, Shakespeare Histories, 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	Crown, jewelry Military Dagger Person (writer, poet, philosopher etc.) William Shakespeare Crown with a dagger through the middle of the crown within the inner circle surrounding inscription. In the second act of the tragedy Macbeth while Duncan (King of Scotland) is asleep, Macbeth (a general in the army of King Duncan, and later King of Scotland) stabs him, despite his doubts and a number of supernatural portents, including a hallucination of a bloody dagger. He is so shaken that Lady Macbeth (Macbeth's wife, and later Queen of Scotland) has to take charge. In accordance with her plan, she frames Duncan's sleeping servants for the murder by placing bloody daggers on them. Macbeth (full title The Tragedy of Macbeth) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare; it is thought to have been first performed in 1606. It dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. Engraver: John Bergdahl WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE JB 2016
Edge	Reeded and lettered THE HOLLOW CROWN