Despite his varied bibliography, George Orwell will always be best known for his dystopian writing – and is very likely the first name that pops into your head when that mode of novel is mentioned due to the acclaim and societal references to Animal Farm and 1984.
Commemorating 75 years since the writer’s death, the folks at The Royal Mint have unveiled a limited £2 coin with an ominous ‘Big Brother’ design that alludes to the all-knowing symbol of 1984‘s Totalitarian Oceania Party.
As you may expect on a coin that uses the title Big Brother Is Watching Youthe design on the reverse side features an eye looking out onto you (or your pockets), with King Charles III taking his usual spot on the obverse of the coin. Is he watching you too? We can neither confirm nor deny; you’ll have to make a point to raise it at the Ministry Of Truth (but can you trust them?). The words There Was Truth And There Was Untruth are written around the edge of the £2 coin, which was created by artist Henry Gray.
Of course, this is one of the many limited-edition coins that are created around events and cultural moments by The Royal Mintso you won’t be seeing Big Brother’s eyes on circulated coins around the country (yet). Other editions of The Royal Mint’s coins have recently included Paul McCartney, The Snowman, Team GB Olympians & Paralympians, The Gruffalo’s Childand many more!
The limited-edition ‘Big Brother’ £2 coin marks 75 years since the death of George Orwell, and you can order yours from The Royal Mint here. You can also read more about the life of George Orwell and why he is being commemorated on their website.
