Two Pounds 2011 King James Bible, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The bi-metallic £2 coin is the largest circulating coin denomination of the Pound Sterling. It was introduced in 1998 (earlier two pound coins were made of Nickel brass, were intended as commemorative, and did not circulate much). Being bi-metallic means that the coin comprises two separate components of differing alloys - a Nickel-Brass outer ring with inner circle of CuproNickel.

The Royal Mint maintains a "definitive" style of the £2 issued annually, as well as a large variety of one-year circulating commemorative types and some Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) £2 coins for collectors. Between 1997 and 2015, the definitive type was the Technology type £2, which was then changed to the Britannia type £2.

The one-year type coins celebrate important anniversaries or people, as well as iconic aspects of British culture and history.

This circulating commemorative £2 coin marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

Few books have had such an impact on the world as the King James Bible, a cornerstone of English culture and language. First published in 1611, its influence on the English language is still evident today and it remains one of the best-loved Bible translations.

The spirit of the King James Bible is captured on the £2 coin celebrating its 400th anniversary. Cleverly reminding us that printing concerns were at the heart of the matter in 1611, the reverse design displays the first words from the book of John - In the beginning was the Word - in the reversed raised text of the printing block on the left and the recessed text of the printed word on the right. The words chosen for the edge inscription - THE AUTHORISED VERSION - complete the story.

£2 coins issued in 2011 have now been in circulation for 14 years.