New British Coins to Celebrate Authors

William Shakespeare and Beatrix Potter Honoured

A series of new coins from the Royal Mint are to feature notable key events that have shaped the history of Britain in the last 1,000 years, and two very well known authors will feature. Both William Shakespeare and Beatrix Potter celebrate milestone years this year and will be celebrated on these coins.

The coins are designed to mark key moments, organisations and people who have helped to shape the nation, and you should start seeing them in your change very soon.

Some of William Shakespeare’s best known histories, comedies and tragedies will be etched into £2 coins as we mark 400 years since the author’s death. Shakespeare was baptised on 23rd April 1616 in Stratford-Upon-Avon and this year will be a big year for Shakespearian events.

The stories of Beatrix Potter will also be featured on a 50p coin, 150 years since her birth. Beatrix Potter was born on 28th July 1866 and so this year is a big year for fans of her works too.

Also featuring on these new coins, which you’re likely to see from around the spring of 2016 onwards, is the Battle of Hastings, the Great Fire of London, and the First World War.