2008 Two Pound Coins

2008 London 1908 Olympics Centenary Silver Proof Two Pound Coin Box

2008 London 1908 Olympics Centenary Silver Proof Two Pound Certificate

Reverse of 2008 London 1908 Olympics Centenary Silver Proof Two Pound Coin Specification

Reverse of 2008 London 1908 Olympics Centenary Silver Proof Two Pound Coin

Reverse of 2008 London 1908 Olympics Centenary Two Pound Coin

Two Pounds Index

Reverse of 2008 London 1908 Olympics Centenary Silver Proof Two Pound Coin

2008 London 1908 Olympics Centenary Brilliant Uncirculated Two Pound Coin in Folder

Since 1986. the Royal Mint has issued two pound coins, often with special commemorative themes. For 2008, there is one for the Centenary of the 1908 London Olympic Games. There is also a "definitive" version in addition.

According to the Royal Mint

In 2008 the Royal Mint is striking a new commemorative £2 coin with a specially designed reverse celebrating the centenary of the 4th Olympiad that was held in London. The £2 coin is displayed in an attractive folder rich in imagery and background information on the Olympic Games of 1908. subject to a strict promotional embargo date of 12 November - The 2008 £2 coin bears a special commemorative design on its reverse -Worldwide issue limit of 100,000 Sets - The commemorative coin is displayed in an informative and fully illustrated presentation folder.

The 4th Olympiad London Anniversary £2 Presentation Folder
The £2 coin for 2008, struck in honour of the centenary of the London Olympic Games of 1908, displays on its reverse the commemorative design specially created by Royal Mint engraver Thomas T Docherty for this celebration. Produced to Brilliant Uncirculated standard, each coin is presented in a beautifully illustrated folder giving a brief history the Olympic Games from ancient Greece to the present day, including stories of some of the athletes of the 1908 Games.

The 4th Olympiad London Anniversary £2 Coin
The first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens in 1896, the vision of Baron Pierre de Coubertin. His dream was to bring together people of the world in a spirit of friendly competition where leading athletes could strive for victory and personal excellence. The Olympic Games have become the greatest sporting event in the world. The first time they were held in London was in 1908 at a purpose-built stadium in White City, London. The centenary of those Games therefore falls in 2008, and a commemorative £2 coin has been produced to celebrate the sporting achievements of the athletes who competed at those Games.

Reverse
The design that graces the reverse is by Royal Mint engraver, Thomas T Docherty, who chose as the central feature of his design a running track, an image that is readily associated with the Olympic Games. The anniversary date of 1908 is positioned within the track, with the words LONDON OLYMPIC CENTENARY encircling the design. The incuse edge inscription, THE 4TH OLYMPIAD LONDON, completes the design.

According to a Press Release:

Press Release: London 2012 and Royal Mint to produce 1908 Olympic Games Commemorative Coin 11/27/2007
London 2012 and Royal Mint to produce 1908 Olympic Games Commemorative Coin
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games has finalised a deal with the Royal Mint to issue a new commemorative £2 coin for 2008 celebrating the centenary of the 1908 London Olympic Games.
The deal with the Royal Mint is part of LOCOG's licensing strategy, and the licensing royalties paid to LOCOG will contribute to the £2 billion cost of hosting and staging the Games. This budget will be raised privately through a mix of international and domestic sponsorship, broadcasting rights, merchandising, licensing and ticket sales.
Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of LOCOG commented:
"This is an exciting deal, and the forerunner to our commemorative coin programme. We are delighted to be working with the Royal Mint, with its international reputation. The centenary anniversary of the 1908 London Games will be a perfect reminder of the excitement and impact the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will have in London in 2012."
Andrew Stafford, Chief Executive and Deputy Master of the Royal Mint commented:
"I am delighted that the Royal Mint is playing its part in helping to celebrate the UK's long involvement in the Olympic Games. We are thrilled to be minting commemorative coins to mark the centenary of the 1908 Olympic Games which captured the imagination of the world just as the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will"
The limited edition 4th Olympiad London Anniversary commemorative £2 Coin will be available to buy from www.royalmint.com or by calling the Royal Mint on 0845 6088 222. Selected products will be available to buy in December but the full range will not be launched until the new year.
To mark the first London Olympic Games held in 1908 the British Olympic Association will be running a full schedule of 1908 commemorative events and celebrations to take place throughout 2008. These will include a Marathon Celebration, a 1908 Olympic Exhibition, a Polo Final, a Tug of War event and a Rugby Final.

Different Versions
In addition to the gold proof version offered here, the £2 is being produced the following different versions, further details of which are shown here soon.

• Ordinary circulation version, which should be available from banks and post offices during the year.
• Specimen version, issued in Royal Mint folder. This has a superior finish compared with the ordinary coins, so will be preferred by most collectors. the folders are also very attractive and informative, and made interesting and unusual gifts.
• Silver Proof version, with the outer part gold plated.
• Piedfort proof version, similar but made double weight, with a lower mintage.

Gold Proof Version
The gold proof versions will be produced in 22 carat red gold, with the centre "gold sprayed" according to the Royal Mint, before striking.

Obverse
The Fourth Portrait
The 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.
The legend (inscription) reads:
ELIZABETH II D G REG FID DEF
TWO POUNDS

Reverse
The reverse shows a simple but pleasing design.
The legend (inscription) reads:
LONDON OLYMPIC CENTENARY
1908
TWO
POUNDS
2008

Edge
THE 4TH OLYMPIAD LONDON

Specifications

Version	Diameter	Weight	Alloy	Actual Metal Weight
Gold Proof	28.40	15.97	.9166	0.4707
Silver Proof	28.40	12.00	.925	0.3569
Specimen	28.40	12.00

Notes to Table
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Weight in grams.
Alloy = Fineness of metal content.
AMW = Fine metal content in troy ounces.

Prices & Availability

BU Specimen in Folder

Silver Proof

Piedfort Silver Proof

Gold Proof
For the gold proof version, please see our Tax Free Gold website.

2008 Coins

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