George Orwell – author of many titles including Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four – has been commemorated with a new £2 coin. The writer’s literary legacy is celebrated with a newly issued coin from the Royal Mint with a design that centres on his dystopian, totalitarian work, Nineteen Eighty-Four.
The coin which is not in circulation, but is available to buy from the Royal mint was released in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the author’s death (21 January 1950). The coin features a camera lens-style eye and three inscriptions; the first being the author’s name, and the others being quotes from the novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Within the eye, the inscription reads: “Big Brother is watching you”. The story’s ever-watchful ‘Big Brother’ inspired the reality TV series of the same name. The coin’s edge inscription includes a further quote: “There was truth and there was untruth.”
Coinage artist Henry Gray said he had given the eye in the design a “monocular” rather than “realistic” look.
“It’s almost like a camera lens staring at you all the time, unblinking,” he explains.
“With phones and cameras being everywhere in your house, and being listened to by advertisers on your phone, you are really aware of how you’re being surveyed – and that’s what 1984 is all about. It’s about living in a culture where everything is looked at and you are constantly under pressure to conform.”
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “The works of George Orwell have influenced generations, and his most famous works are still being studied today – decades on from their first publication. I am delighted to share this unique design with collectors and fans of Orwell’s work, paying tribute to one of the most world-renowned authors of the 20th century.”
//