22 July 2021
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The Royal Mint has commemorated Sir Walter Scott on a £2 coin, to mark the 250th Anniversary of the famous Scottish author's birth. Find out more in our guide to the commemorative coin.
Sir Walter Scott £2 coin available in 'uncirculated' condition
The Royal Mint has launched a commemorative £2 coin to honour the late Sir Walter Scott, 250 years after the writer’s birth.
One of the most influential Scots in history, Sir Walter Scott is renowned for his contribution to literature with his novels and poems, many of which remain literary classics to this day.
Coin formats
The coin is available in the following formats:
- 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Gold Proof Coin
- 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Piedfort Coin
- 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Coin
- 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
- The coin was also available in The Royal Mint's annual sets for 2021
This means the Walter Scott coins will not be entered into circulation, so it's very unlikely you'll find one in your loose change.
The coin's design
Designed by textual artist Stephen Raw, the coin was inspired by the artist’s visit to Abbotsford, the famous home of Sir Walter Scott. On the canvas of a £2 coin, the words Sir Walter Scott and Novelist, Historian and Poet are inscribed in the same calligraphy seen at Abbotsford’s grand entrance and chapel. The design also includes Scott’s portrait modelled on the Scott Monument – one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.
Speaking of the design, Stephen Raw, who also designed the Sherlock Holmes coin in 2019 and the First World War Armistice coin in 2018, said:
“Sir Walter Scott was such a fascinating character, there were so many routes that you could explore. Being a textual artist, I’m fascinated by lettering and I chose a combination of distinctive Gothic lettering from the chapel at Abbotsford alongside some lettering used by Scott in the magnificent entrance to his home.
“As for the portrait, I used the wonderful sculpture of Scott that sits within his monument on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. I hope that collectors enjoy the design and that when people see the coin, they might be encouraged to visit Abbotsford and the Scott Monument – the second largest such memorial to a writer in the world they say.”
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Matthew Maxwell Scott, Trustee at Abbotsford and the great, great, great, great grandson of the famous writer, said:
“I’m extremely proud to see my ancestor recognised on a very special coin from The Royal Mint – a fitting tribute during a year of 250th birthday celebrations. It is a beautiful coin. Sir Walter was a collector of beautiful things and I think he would have loved to have this coin in his collection among the many treasures at Abbotsford.”
Further reading
Rare £2 coins
The £2 coin has been in circulation since 1997 and over the years there has been over 50 different designs.
Rare 50p coins
Which 50p coins are the rarest? How much are they worth, and are there any varieties to look out for?
Peter Rabbit £5 coin
Following the success of the Beatrix Potter 50p coins, the Royal Mint has issued a £5 crown featuring Peter Rabbit.
