A new commemorative coin is being released to honor the legacy of George Orwell, the renowned author of Nineteen Eighty-four, and to mark the 75th anniversary of his death. The £2 coin, which is worth approximately $2.40, features a striking design that pays homage to Orwell’s iconic dystopian novel. The coin’s central image is an eye, but upon closer inspection, it is revealed to be a camera lens—a subtle yet powerful nod to the themes of surveillance and totalitarianism that permeate Orwell’s work. The edge of the coin is inscribed with a haunting phrase from the novel: “There was truth and there was untruth.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Orwell’s exploration of manipulation, propaganda, and the erosion of reality.
The coin’s designer, Henry Gray, shared his inspiration behind the design, emphasizing the relevance of Orwell’s themes in today’s world. He explained that the eye was intentionally crafted to resemble a camera lens rather than a human eye, as it symbolizes the constant, unblinking surveillance that dominates modern life. “With phones and cameras being everywhere in your house, and being listened to by advertisers on your phone, you are really aware of how you’re being surveyed—and that’s what 1984 is all about,” Gray said. The design is stripped of details like eyelashes, giving it a cold, monocular appearance that feels both timeless and unsettlingly contemporary. Gray’s vision captures the enduring legacy of Orwell’s warnings about the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of individual freedom.
Nineteen Eighty-four, published in 1949, is set in a fictional future where the world is dominated by a tyrannical government led by the enigmatic figure of Big Brother. The novel follows the story of Winston Smith, a civil servant who begins to rebel against the oppressive regime. Orwell’s depiction of a society where independent thought is suppressed, history is rewritten, and citizens are constantly monitored resonated deeply with readers when the book was first released, and its themes remain chillingly relevant today. The novel has become a cultural touchstone, with terms like “Big Brother” and “Orwellian” becoming part of the everyday lexicon to describe systems of control and manipulation.
Orwell, who also authored the political fable Animal Farm, was a critically acclaimed writer whose work continues to influence literature, politics, and popular culture. He passed away on January 21, 1950, at the age of 46, just a few months after the publication of Nineteen Eighty-four. Despite his untimely death, Orwell’s ideas and warnings have endured, making him one of the most important voices of the 20th century. The Royal Mint, Britain’s official coin producer, has announced that the commemorative coin will be released on Wednesday, with prices starting from £17.50. The coin is part of a series that celebrates the lives and works of influential literary figures, including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
The release of this coin is not only a tribute to Orwell’s literary genius but also a reminder of the timeless relevance of his work. In an era where technology has made surveillance more pervasive and disinformation more widespread, Orwell’s warnings about the dangers of authoritarianism and the manipulation of truth feel alarmingly prescient. The coin’s design, with its cold, unblinking lens, serves as a visual metaphor for the ways in which modern society is constantly watched and influenced. It invites us to reflect on the balance between technology and privacy, freedom and control, and the enduring importance of critical thinking in an increasingly complex world.
By honoring George Orwell with this commemorative coin, the Royal Mint is ensuring that his ideas remain in the public consciousness, inspiring future generations to grapple with the challenges of preserving freedom and truth in the face of oppressive systems. The coin is not just a collector’s item but a poignant reminder of the power of literature to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, Orwell’s work remains a vital guide, urging us to stay vigilant and to cherish the values of freedom, honesty, and individuality that he so passionately defended.
