United Kingdom 2 Pounds 1986 - XIII Commonwealth Games

United Kingdom · 1986 · 2 pounds

Commemorative coinUncommonAU · About uncirculated

€5.00estimate in AU

8,212,184coins minted

KM947 SpK1 N4410

Commemorative coin

First monometallic 2 pounds coin issued by the United Kingdom to commemorate a sporting event (the XIII Commonwealth Games).

The coin's story

This coin commemorates the XIII Commonwealth Games held in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1986. It is the first British coin with a sporting theme and the first issue of the £2 denomination (non-gold). Despite its legal tender status, it is rarely seen in circulation, as it was replaced by the current bimetallic coin in 1997.

ObverseThe Portrait of the Queen

ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA·F·D·TWO POUNDS

Design: It shows the third crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (the “Third Portrait”), facing right.
Diadem: The Queen wears the George IV State Diadem.
Legend: The circular legend is in Latin and reads: ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA·F·D (Elizabeth II by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith).
Denomination: The value · TWO POUNDS · is inscribed below the portrait.
Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf (his initials RDM are often visible).

RMEngraved by Raphael David Maklouf

ReverseThe Scottish Thistle

1986NS

Design: The design is a direct tribute to the host country, Scotland. It shows:
A thistle (national symbol of Scotland) in the centre.
The thistle is surrounded by a laurel wreath.
The whole is superimposed on the Cross of St Andrew (the Saltire, flag of Scotland).
Date: The date 1986 is placed above the thistle.
Engraver: Norman Sillman (his initials N S are often visible).

NSEngraved by Norman Sillman

Specifications

Denomination2 pounds
Year1986
RegionScotland
Mintage8,212,184
MintRoyal Mint, Llantrisant
MaterialNickel-brass
ShapeRound
Diameter28.4 mm
Thickness3.2 mm
Weight15.94 g
EdgeThe edge is reeded and bears an incuse inscription.**Inscription: XIII COMMONWEALTH GAMES SCOTLAND 1986
ScriptsLatin