The first world war £2 coin is more than just metal. It’s a piece of history you can hold in your hand. Made by The Royal Mint, this coin was created to remember the brave people who lived, fought, and died during World War 1. Even though it’s a modern coin, it tells a powerful story from 1914. If you’re into coins or history, the first world war £2 coin is something special to learn about.
Many people collect this coin because of its meaning, design, and value. It’s not just for collectors—it’s for anyone who wants to feel close to the past. Some versions are easy to find, while others are rare with small minting errors. In this blog, you’ll find out what makes the first world war £2 coin unique, how to check if you have one, and how much it might be worth. Let’s take a closer look together!
What Is the First World War £2 Coin? A Simple Guide
The first world war £2 coin is a British coin made to remember World War 1. It was made by The Royal Mint and is part of a special series of coins. You can find this coin in your change, or you can buy it from collectors or online. Even though it’s a £2 coin, some people keep it because it tells a story. It shows a picture of Lord Kitchener and the words “Your country needs you.” This coin helps us remember the past in a small and simple way. It’s not just money—it’s a piece of history. That’s why many people like to learn about it and collect it too.
The History Behind the First World War £2 Coin
The first world war £2 coin was first made in 2014. This year marked 100 years since the start of World War 1 in 1914. The Royal Mint made the coin to help people remember the soldiers and events of the war. Over five years, from 2014 to 2018, they made a new coin each year. Each one showed a different part of the war, from the beginning to the end. The 2014 coin is known as the “Outbreak” coin. It was followed by coins showing conflict, suffering, and finally, peace. The coins are like a small timeline of the war, made to help people never forget the sacrifices of that time.
Why Was the First World War £2 Coin Made?
The first world war £2 coin was made to honour the people who lived through World War 1. The war was one of the biggest and most important events in history. Millions of people died, and many lives changed forever. The Royal Mint wanted to make something that would help people remember this time. They chose to make coins because coins are easy to carry and see. When people look at the coin, they can think about the soldiers, the families, and the countries affected by the war. It’s like a small reminder of a very big event. That’s why the coin is important, not just for collectors, but for everyone.
What Makes the First World War £2 Coin Special?
The first world war £2 coin is special because it brings history into your hands. It isn’t just any coin. It tells a true story and marks an important moment in time. The coin has a strong design that shows Lord Kitchener pointing forward with his famous message, “Your country needs you.” This was used in posters during the war to get people to join the army. Also, some coins have rare minting mistakes, making them more valuable. Whether it’s the design, the message, or the meaning behind it, the coin reminds us of real people and real history. That’s what makes this coin different from the coins you use every day.
Design Details of the First World War £2 Coin
The first world war £2 coin has a bold and powerful design. On the front, it shows Lord Kitchener pointing forward. This image was used on posters during World War 1 to ask people to join the army. Around the edge of the coin, it says: “The lamps are going out all over Europe.” This quote comes from a famous line said at the start of the war. The coin is made of two metals, giving it a gold and silver look. The back of the coin has Queen Elizabeth II’s face, like all UK coins. The design is simple but meaningful, and every part of it tells a story from 1914.
How Many First World War £2 Coins Were Made?
The Royal Mint made a lot of first world war £2 coins. In 2014, they made about 5,720,000 of them to be used as normal money. These coins were put into circulation, so people could get them in change. Since so many were made, the coin is not very rare. But, they also made special versions for collectors. Some coins were made in proof condition, which means they are shinier and have better detail. There were also gold versions that are more expensive because they have real gold in them. The normal coin is easy to find, but the gold and proof coins are harder to get and worth more.
Are First World War £2 Coins Rare or Common?
The regular first world war £2 coin is not rare, because millions were made. You might even find one in your change if you’re lucky. But not all coins are the same. Some people look for mint condition coins that have no scratches or damage. These can be worth more. Also, some coins have minting errors, like missing dates or printing mistakes. These error coins are much rarer and can be worth a lot of money. So, while the normal coin is common, the rare versions are harder to find. That’s what makes collecting them fun—you never know what kind you might get.
How to Spot a Real First World War £2 Coin
To spot a real first world war £2 coin, look for a few clear details. First, check the front of the coin. It should have Lord Kitchener pointing with the words “Your country needs you.” Next, check the edge—it should say “The lamps are going out all over Europe.” The coin should feel heavy and made of two metals—gold and silver colour. The back should have Queen Elizabeth II. If any of these things look strange, it might not be real. Also, real coins have smooth writing and clean images. If it looks badly made, it could be a fake. Buying from trusted sellers is always a good idea too.
First World War £2 Coin Errors: What to Look For
Some first world war £2 coins have errors that happened during the minting process. These errors make them rare and more valuable. One known error is when the coin is missing the “Two Pounds” date on the edge. Another is if the writing around the coin is missing or upside down. Some coins even have strange shapes or marks where the machine made a mistake. These are called minting errors and collectors love them. If you find a coin that looks different from others, it might be an error coin. Keep it safe and check with an expert—it could be worth a lot more than £2!
How Much Is the First World War £2 Coin Worth Today?
Most regular first world war £2 coins are only worth £2, because so many were made. You can often find them in your change. But if your coin is in mint condition, or has a minting error, it can be worth much more. Some error coins have sold online for hundreds of pounds, depending on how rare the mistake is. Also, gold proof versions of the coin are worth much more because of their gold content. These can be worth over £500 or more, depending on gold prices. So, the value really depends on what type of coin you have, and what condition it’s in.
Conclusion
The first world war £2 coin is a small but special coin. It helps us remember brave people from a long time ago. Even though it looks like normal money, it tells an important story from history. Many people like to keep it or collect it.
If you ever find one in your pocket, take a good look at it. Maybe it’s just a normal coin, or maybe it has a mistake that makes it rare! Either way, it’s fun to learn about and great to show others. Coins like this help us feel closer to the past.
FAQs
Q: What year was the first world war £2 coin made?
A: It was made in 2014 to mark 100 years since World War 1 started.
Q: Is the first world war £2 coin still used today?
A: Yes, it’s still legal money, but many people keep it as a collectable.
Q: How can I tell if my coin is a rare one?
A: Check for mistakes like missing writing or wrong pictures—those are rare!
Q: What does the coin picture show?
A: It shows Lord Kitchener pointing with the words “Your country needs you.”
Q: Can I sell my first world war £2 coin?
A: Yes, you can sell it online or to collectors, especially if it’s rare or in good shape.
