Two Pounds 2018 Frankenstein, 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; the outer ring of the coins is made of Nickel-Brass (76% copper, 4% nickel, 20% zinc) and the inner circle is CuproNickel (75% copper, 25% nickel).

The Royal Mint maintains a "definitive" style of the £2 issued annually, as well as a large variety of one-year circulating commemorative types.

In 2017, the mint also started issuing some Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) £2 coins for collectors. These are included in the annual mint sets, but are not released into general circulation. Their themes celebrate important anniversaries or people, as well as iconic aspects of British culture and history.

This £2 coin marks 200 years since the publication of "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" by British author Mary Shelley.

The Royal Mint says:
"For 200 years, Frankenstein has captured our imaginations. The story has been at the forefront of debates of radical thinking, scientific advancements and public perception since it was first published in 1818, when Mary Shelley was 21 years old. She had written the novel three years before its publication, when she was just 18.

Frankenstein continues to amaze, shock and inspire those who encounter it. Its legacy is unparalleled; many call it the first science fiction novel while others call it the greatest horror novel of all time. It is discussed as avidly as when it was first published and continues to spawn new discussions and creativity, 200 years on.

The coin has been designed by Royal Mint coin designer Thomas T. Docherty. Depicting ECG monitor style wording of ‘Frankenstein’, the coin celebrates the legacy of Frankenstein and the significance of Mary Shelley’s creation."

The edge lettering, A SPARK OF BEING, is a quote from the novel.

Unlike earlier £2 coins in the annual sets, these £2 coins were struck in various collector formats but none were issued into general circulation.