2001 Marconi Gold Proof Two PoundsSince 1986. the Royal Mint has issued two pound coins, both for circulation and as commemorative versions for collectors.In 2001, as the latest in this series of £2 coins, the Royal Mint is has produced a design commemorating the centenary of the transmission of the first transatlantic telegraph by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901. This year's £2 design was produced with the help of a public consultation to decide the final design. Brief Historical NotesGuglielmo Marconi is undoubtedly one of the best known names of the twentieth century. His association with the development of radio has made him deservedly famous, and this year, 2001, provides the opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his first wireless transmission across the Atlantic. It was an immense achievement that has brought lasting benefit, and the Royal Mint was proud to honour Marconi with a commemorative two-pound coin.The reverse design was voted by the public as the best of three entries short-listed in a limited competition and, appropriately enough, takes wireless waves as its theme. They feature both in the centre and in the outer border, while a spark of electricity linking the zeros of the date generates a radiating series of three dots, the Morse code letter "S", to represent the signal successfully transmitted in 1901. On the edge, Marconi's achievement is described by the words WIRELESS BRIDGES THE ATLANTIC MARCONI 1901. The winning design was created by leading Welsh artist Robert Evans, a senior member of the Royal Mint Engraving Department. Different VersionsIn addition to the gold proof version offered here, the Marconi £2 is being produced the following different versions, further details of which are shown on our other web site.
Gold Proof VersionThe gold proof version has been produced in 22 carat red gold, with the centre "gold sprayed" according to the Royal Mint, before striking. The issue limit has been fixed at a maximum of 2,500 individual pieces, with a further 2,500 reserved for inclusion in the 3 coin and 4 coin gold proof sets.ObverseThe Fourth PortraitThe fourth of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank Broadley, FRBS, FSNAD, whose initials IRB appear under the head, as used on all British coins from 1998. ReverseA representation of radio waves emanating from a source at the left of the coin, and spreading out around the date. A spark of electricity links the zeros of the date. the Morse code for "S", three dots, has been incorporated into the design. This was the original signal sent from Cornwall to Newfoundland in 1901.TWO POUNDS EdgeInscription:WIRELESS BRIDGES THE ATLANTIC MARCONI 1901 Specifications
Prices & Availability
Notes on TableIssue Price = Official Royal Mint issue price.Price £ = Our price in pounds sterling. Price $ = Our price in US dollars. You may wish to use our order form. Postage & PackingUK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per orderEU Insured Post £10 per order USA Airmail $10, Insured Shipping $20 Canada Airmail $15, Insured Shipping via Fedex $60 |
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Obverse of 2001 Marconi £2 ProofTwo Pounds Index
Reverse of 2001 Marconi £2 Proof
Marconi Gold £2 Coin with Presentation BoxTwo Pounds Information
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