United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 2 Pounds

History

2 Pounds 2017, Sp# K45, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 200th Anniversary of Death of Jane Austen

2 Pounds 2017, Sp# K45, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 200th Anniversary of Death of Jane Austen, Edge

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

Description

The Royal Mint have launched a new £2 coin that pays homage to one of the country’s most celebrated 19th-century writers, Jane Austen (1775–1817), known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works critique the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism.

With the publications of Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma (1815), she achieved success as a published writer. She wrote two additional novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1818, and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. Her novels have rarely been out of print, although they were published anonymously and brought her little fame during her lifetime. A significant transition in her posthumous reputation occurred in 1869, fifty-two years after her death, when her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced her to a wider audience.

The new coin remembers the 200th anniversary of the author’s death. Also during 2017, a portrait of the author was introduced on the Bank of England’s new £10 polymer banknote.

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 jewelry 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·DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF·2017· J.C
Reverse	Person (writer, poet, philosopher etc.) Jane Austen Depicts a well-known Regency-style silhouette of Jane Austen facing to the right by an unknown artist, thought to have been created circa 1810–1815. The original work was found pasted into a copy of Mansfield Park, published in 1814 with the words “L’aimable Jane” (“the amiable Jane”) written above the silhouette (the page is shown below the chart). The ownership of the book was never wholly ascertained. The original work is now on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The silhouette is surrounded by a miniature frame design, inspired by the era when the custom of exchanging miniature portraits with close friends, family, and—during courtship—admirers was prevalent. The text JANE AUSTEN 1817–2017 is placed above the portrait, with the denomination TWO POUNDS below. Across the silhouette is a facsimile signature of Austen. Engraver: Dominique Evans JANE AUSTEN 1817 - 2017 Jane Austen TWO POUNDS DME
Edge	Inscribed (lettered) A quote from her posthumously published novel Northanger Abbey. THERE IS NO DOING WITHOUT MONEY

2 Pounds

5th portrait

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2017 United Kingdom (Great Britain)

200th Anniversary of Death of Jane Austen

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Elizabeth II

Sp# K45

Characteristics

Type	Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material	Bi-Metallic
Ring	Nickel Brass
Center	Cupronickel
Weight	12 g
Diameter	28.4 mm
Thickness	2.5 mm
Shape	round
Alignment	Medal
Mint	Royal Mint