The listing on eBay has the coin available on a ‘Buy it Now’ basis for £5,999.
Seller ‘samcurnock’ writes in the listing: “Incredibly rare Dickins £2.00 coin uk. Circulated.”
The Charles Dickens coin is a favourite of collectors, and there are not many available to buy on eBay.
Royal Mint released the coin to commemorate the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens.
It features a profile of the author cleverly made from titles of some of his most famous works.
Describing the coin, Royal Mint said: “Artist Matthew Dent has arranged well known titles from Dickens’ novels to create a unique portrait of the author, literally in his own words.
“From his Sketches by Boz, to his last and unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the coin is a uniquely styled bibliography of Dickens’ literary masterpieces, referencing much loved classics including David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol.
“On the edge of the coin is an inscription which features the quotation “Something Will Turn Up” spoken by the ever optimistic Wilkins Micawber in David Copperfield, Dickens’ own favourite story.
“A character based on Dickens’ own father, Micawber’s name has become synonymous with someone who lives in hopeful expectation.”
Royal Mint explained there are in fact two versions of this coin, one that was circulated and a “much higher quality” commemorative coin.
Commenting on the inspiration behind his design, Matthew Dent said: “I wanted the design of the coin to reference both the immense contribution Dickens has made to British literature and his iconic portrait.
“The visual reference for the portrait was based on a bust of a bearded Dickens which is part of the collection of the Charles Dickens Museum in London.
“The typography that takes portrait form uses several different typefaces; from ones that would have existed during his lifetime, to ones that were designed since his death, symbolic of the enduring popularity of his work.”
Dr. Kevin Clancy, Director of the Royal Mint Museum added: “Charles Dickens is one of our greatest authors and it is wholly fitting that his immense contribution to literature be commemorated on the nation’s coinage.
“Matthew’s design is both clever and subtle, playing with the importance of words to the extent that the portrait of Dickens is created from the titles of his own works.”
The Charles Dickens design is not the only two pound coin with a high value – sometimes a minting error can add thousands to their worth, such as this £2 coin.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
