A Tribute or a Warning?
In a world where truth seems negotiable and surveillance is a daily reality, The Royal Mint’s newest release feels eerily apt. The £2 coin commemorating George Orwell, the sharp-eyed critic of totalitarianism, is set to drop on 15 January 2025. But is this just a collector’s dream, or is it a sly nod to the very dystopian themes Orwell warned us about in 1984?
The Coin That Watches You Back
Designed by artist Henry Gray, the coin's reverse is nothing short of a masterstroke—or a chilling reminder of our monitored lives. It features a camera lens disguised as an eye, encircled by the haunting words: “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.” Coincidence? I think not. Orwell's warnings about invasive surveillance couldn’t be more relevant, and now, they’re immortalised on a coin we’re all supposed to love.
Even the edge inscription feels like a coded message: “THERE WAS TRUTH AND THERE WAS UNTRUTH.” Orwell’s words still resonate in an era of ‘alternative facts’ and censorship. It’s hard not to feel like this coin is less a celebration of Orwell’s work and more of a sly confirmation that his dystopian visions have come to pass.
A Collector’s Dream—or a Subtle Red Flag?
The coin will be available in Brilliant Uncirculated, Gold Proof, and Silver Proof editions, each beautifully presented in packaging that explores Orwell’s life and works. But let’s not gloss over the eerie detail here: a maximum mintage of 4510 coins. The specificity almost feels deliberate, like a secret code we’re meant to crack.
And for those keen to strike their own Orwell £2 coin, you can head to The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant from 20 January. For an extra £7.50, you can mint your very own piece of surveillance-themed history. How fitting that this experience is only accessible under the watchful eye of cameras at the Mint itself.
George Orwell wasn’t just a writer; he was a prophet. His books 1984 and Animal Farm laid bare the dangers of absolute power and government overreach. Orwell’s disdain for lies, propaganda, and control resonates more than ever, and this coin feels like a stark reminder that those in charge haven’t forgotten the manual.
While the Orwell £2 coin is undoubtedly a stunning piece of craftsmanship, it raises an unsettling question: are we honouring Orwell’s life, or are we normalising the dystopian world he tried to warn us about?
So, if you’re a collector—or just someone who likes to read between the lines—this coin is a must-have. It’s not just a piece of silver; it’s a conversation starter, a chilling reflection, and a shiny, circular piece of truth.
Big Brother may be watching, but at least now we can say we’ve got him in our pocket
