This isn’t your grandma’s boring pound coin with a heraldic lion or a generic crown. This one has serious personality. Minted in 2015 to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Plague of London, the design is a bold, beautiful memento mori—a reminder that life is short, but also that beauty can grow from the darkest moments.
The skull and the rose are a classic symbol of life versus death, struggle versus beauty. Imagine handing this to a shopkeeper and watching their face as they realize they’re holding a tiny piece of philosophy—and it’s only worth two quid! It’s like carrying a secret treasure that’s also good for buying a coffee.
Where Did This Awesome Thing Come From?
The story behind it is surprisingly cool. The Royal Mint commissioned artist John Bergdahl to create a design that captured the spirit of the plague era. Instead of something grim, he gave us an edgy, almost rock-and-roll emblem that feels more like a band logo than a coin.
It’s a coin that says: “Yeah, life can be tough, but you’re still here, and that’s pretty badass.” Plus, it’s not super rare—about 2.5 million were minted—so there’s a very real chance you could find one in your own pocket change if you pay attention.
William Shakespeare £2 Coin Skull and Rose 2016 - YouTube
