The 2025 Royal Mint Royal Observatory £2 coin - all you need to know
The 2025 Royal Mint Royal Observatory £2 coin is a special commemorative coin celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Historical Significance
The Royal Observatory, established in 1675, was the first state-funded, purpose-built scientific institution in Britain. It was dedicated to improving sea navigation, cartography, and timekeeping.
Design and Features
The 2025 Royal Observatory £2 coin is bi-metallic, featuring an outer ring made of nickel-brass and an inner circle of cupro-nickel.
The coin's reverse design, crafted by Henry Gray, is rich in symbolism:
- Shepherd Gate Clock: This clock, located at the Royal Observatory, was the first to show Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to the public.
- Ursa Minor and Polaris: The constellation and its brightest star, Polaris, are depicted to emphasize the observatory's role in celestial navigation.
- Meridian Line: The Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, is represented, highlighting the observatory's role in defining 0° longitude.
The obverse of the coin displays the first definitive portrait of King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings. This portrait shows the king's bare head facing left, with the legend "CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 2 POUNDS · 2025" around the edge. This portrait is notable for its detailed depiction of the king's bare head, a departure from the crowned portraits of previous monarchs.
Commemorative Purpose
This £2 coin commemorates the 350th anniversary of the Royal Observatory, highlighting its contributions to navigation, timekeeping, and astronomy.
The observatory played a crucial role in defining accurate time standards and improving sea navigation, which were essential for modern travel, trade, and communications.
Collector's Item
The 2025 Royal Observatory £2 coin is part of the Royal Mint's series of Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) coins, which are issued for collectors and not released into general circulation.
Specifications
- Denomination: £2
- Alloy: Outer ring - Nickel-Brass (76% copper, 4% nickel, 20% zinc); Inner circle - Cupro-Nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
- Weight: 12 grams
- Diameter: 28.4 mm
- Edge Inscription: "PERFECTING THE ART OF NAVIGATION"
Conclusion
The 2025 Royal Mint Royal Observatory £2 coin is a beautifully designed commemorative coin that celebrates the rich history and contributions of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. It is a valuable addition to any coin collection, reflecting the importance of navigation, timekeeping, and astronomy in British history.