In 2014, the Royal Mint released this bimetallic beauty (gold center, silver ring) to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War’s outbreak. They didn’t just slap a date on it. They designed it to mean something.
The outer ring shows a stylized poppy—the symbol of remembrance. The inner circle features a soldier marching, with the haunting phrase “THE FIRST WORLD WAR 1914-1918” curving around. Subtle, isn’t it? No explosions, no generals. Just a solitary figure and a flower.
And let’s be real: a £2 coin is a weirdly perfect size for a memorial. Big enough to notice, small enough to carry in your pocket. It’s like a secret handshake between history and your spare change.
The “Lest We Forget” Detail (and a Bit of Irony)
On the edge of the coin—if you look closely—there’s an inscription. It reads: “IN FLANDERS FIELDS THE POPPIES BLOW.” That’s a direct quote from John McCrae’s famous war poem. Chills, right?
But here’s the irony: this coin was meant to circulate. You were supposed to spend it. On a coffee. On a bus fare. The universe basically said: “Remember the millions who died… while you buy a sausage roll.” Ironic? A bit. But maybe that’s the point.
Using a daily object—a coin—to carry such a weighty message makes remembrance unavoidable. You can’t hide from it in your wallet.
RARE FIRST WORLD WAR LORD KITCHENER £2 TWO POUND COIN Mint error | eBay UK
