Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible
Outer: Nickel-Brass (76% copper, 4% nickel, 20% zinc)
Inner: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
||Paul Stafford & Benjamin Right
||THE AUTHORISED VERSION
About This Design
Commemorating a beloved cornerstone of our culture and language four centuries since its first publication; the King James Bible. Few books have had such an impact on the world as the King James Bible. First published in 1611, its influence on the English language is still evident today and it remains one of the best loved Bible translations.
The very spirit of the King James Bible is brilliantly captured on the £2 coin celebrating its 400th anniversary. Cleverly reminding us that printing concerns were at the heart of the matter in 1611, the commemorative reverse design displays the first words from the book of John - In the beginning was the Word - in the reversed raised text of the printing block on the left and the recessed text of the printed word on the right. The words chosen for the edge inscription - THE AUTHORISED VERSION - are entirely appropriate and complete the story. The obverse bears The Queen's portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.
History Of The £2
The first base metal £2 coin was issued in the United Kingdom in 1986 to commemorate the Thirteenth Commonwealth Games which that year were held in Scotland. Commemorative £2 coins continued to be issued in single colour nickel-brass for special occasions. After a review of the United Kingdom coinage in 1994, it emerged that there was a requirement for a general circulation £2 coin. A consultation process took place with the vending machine industry, members of the public and special interest groups such as the RNIB and Age Concern. The consensus of opinion from the consultation favoured a bi-colour coin because it would be easily distinguishable from the other coins in circulation. The bi-metallic £2 coin was eventually launched on 15 June 1998 and millions were released into circulation.
King James Bible Coin original drawing