Description

This £2 coin commemorates the Life and Work of J. R. R. Tolkien (1892–1973).

Inventing a credible world that exists entirely in the realm of fantasy requires a powerful imagination and, in the case of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, an abundance of intellect.

Before writing immensely popular works of fantasy fiction such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien’s mastery of languages positioned him well for his career in philology, the study of languages. Although he was well respected as an academic and scholar, first at the University of Leeds and later as a Professor at the University of Oxford, the publication of The Hobbit in 1937 set Tolkien on the road to global recognition. The classic fantasy tale has been a permanent fixture on children’s reading lists since its release and was followed in 1954-55 by the immensely popular The Lord of the Rings, which is widely regarded as the blueprint for modern fantasy fiction.

Whilst the fantasy world of Middle-earth and its rich mythology brought Tolkien’s writing and storytelling talents to the attention of a global audience, years earlier he experienced the brutal reality of the First World War. Serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers, he went on active duty at the Western Front, enduring four months of trench warfare as part of the Somme offensive.

Alloy:
• center: 0.925 sterling silver
• ring: 0.925 sterling silver plated with fine gold

A piedfort is an unusually thick coin, often exactly twice the normal weight and thickness of other coins of the same diameter and pattern. Piedforts are not normally circulated, and are only struck for presentation purposes by mint officials (such as patterns), or for collectors, dignitaries, and other VIPs.

Issue date: 3 January 2023