Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2021, Sp# K63, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 75th Anniversary of Death of H. G. Wells
  • 2 Pounds 2021, Sp# K63, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 75th Anniversary of Death of H. G. Wells
  • 2 Pounds 2021, Sp# K63, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 75th Anniversary of Death of H. G. Wells, Box with a certificate of authenticity
  • 2 Pounds 2021, Sp# K63, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 75th Anniversary of Death of H. G. Wells, Proof annual set
Description

Herbert George Wells (1866–1946) was an English writer. Prolific in many genres, he wrote dozens of novels, short stories, and works of social commentary, history, satire, biography and autobiography. His work also included two books on recreational war games. Wells is now best remembered for his science fiction novels and is often called the "father of science fiction".

During his own lifetime, however, he was most prominent as a forward-looking, even prophetic social critic who devoted his literary talents to the development of a progressive vision on a global scale. A futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility, and biological engineering.

His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898) and the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907).

Obverse

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·D·G·REG·F·D·2 POUNDS·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts three elements that signify Wells’ most well-known works: War of the Worlds (a Martians tripod), The Time Machine (Roman numerals in clock face order) and The Invisible Man (a top hat and tuxedo).

The design demonstrates multiple errors: a Martians tripod (huge three-legged walkers) with four legs and Wells’s (distinctly ungentlemanly) invisible man, Griffin, never wore a top hat but a wide-brimmed hat.

Engraver: Chris Costello

IX X XI XII I II III
CTC
2021 H.G. WELLS

Edge

Depicts a quote of H. G. Wells

GOOD BOOKS ARE THE WAREHOUSES OF IDEAS

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Gold Plated Silver
Center Silver
Weight 12 g
Diameter 28.4 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

5th portrait

75th Anniversary of Death of H. G. Wells

Bi-Metallic, 12 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
5th portrait, Gold Proof Coin

75th Anniversary of Death of H. G. Wells

Bi-Metallic, 15.97 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
5th portrait, Silver Proof Piedfort Coin

75th Anniversary of Death of H. G. Wells

Bi-Metallic, 24 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm