1707 To 2007 Two Pound Coin

Ever held a coin that spans 300 years? The 1707 to 2007 two-pound coin does exactly that. It’s a tiny, metallic time machine you can actually carry in your pocket.

Why This Coin Exists

In 2007, the UK wanted to celebrate a massive birthday: the 300th anniversary of the Acts of Union. That’s the deal that created Great Britain back in 1707. So, they minted a special two-pound coin to mark the occasion.

It’s not just any coin. It’s a commemorative piece, meaning it was made to remind us of history. But it’s also legal tender—you can spend it in a shop!

The Design: A Quirky Puzzle

Look at the reverse side. See that jigsaw-like pattern? It’s actually a representation of the Union Flag being assembled. The design smashes together the crosses of St George, St Andrew, and St Patrick.

Here’s the funny part: the puzzle pieces don’t fit perfectly. There are small gaps and misalignments. It’s a deliberate artistic choice to show that the union was—and still is—a bit of a messy, human project.

Engineer and designer Bruce Rushin created it. He wanted to show the “fragile and complex” nature of uniting different nations. Pretty deep for a coin you might use to buy a coffee.

The Edge Inscription: A Secret Message

Flip it over and read the edge. It says: “1707 • UNION • 2007”. Simple, right? But here’s the sneaky detail. The word “UNION” is positioned exactly between the two dates on the obverse side.

It’s like a neat little cipher. And if you spin the coin in your hand, the dates and the word chase each other around. It’s oddly satisfying.

Two Versions: The Rarity Factor

There isn’t just one of these. There are two versions. The standard one is silver-coloured with a golden inner ring. That’s the one most people see.

But there’s also a gold proof version. It’s £2 gold coins, struck for collectors. Only about 30,000 were made. Finding one in your change is like finding a unicorn wearing a bowler hat.

Why the difference? The gold one is worth far more than £2. At auction, a pristine gold proof can fetch hundreds of pounds. Check your pockets.

Quirky Errors: The Mis-Struck Gems

Coin collectors (called numismatists) love errors. And this coin has them. Some were struck with the wrong edge inscription—like “UNION” misspelled or the dates swapped.

One known error has the edge reading “1707 • UINON • 2007”. A single typo makes it worth £50 or more. Imagine finding that in your spare change jar.

Another rare version has the design struck on a blank planchet (the metal disc) with no edge milling. It looks like a shiny button from a space suit. Collectors pay big money for these flubs.

Why It’s Fun to Talk About

This coin is a conversation starter. Show it to a friend and ask, “Why are the puzzle pieces broken?” Watch them squint. Then explain the 300-year span—from Queen Anne to Queen Elizabeth II.

It also connects two very different worlds. In 1707, Britain was building an empire and using handmade coins. In 2007, we were texting on flip phones and buying things online. This coin bridges that gap.

There’s a whisky connection, too. The Acts of Union also unified the English and Scottish economies, including the whisky trade. Some spirits companies reissued special bottles with this coin embedded in the cork. Imagine pulling a coin out of your whisky glass.

How to Spot a Real One

Look for the edge inscription first. It must be sharp and clear. The reverse should have a detailed, almost holographic-looking puzzle pattern. The date “2007” is on the front (obverse), below the queen’s portrait.

Beware of fakes. Some low-quality knock-offs exist, especially online. Real ones have a distinct weight—12 grams. Anything lighter is suspect.

The Ultimate Fun Fact

Here’s the kicker: the coin’s design predicted Brexit. Okay, not really. But the broken puzzle pieces look eerily like a map of Britain after Scotland voted “No” to independence in 2014. It’s a spooky coincidence.

The Royal Mint didn’t plan that. But it makes the coin feel even more alive. It’s a little piece of history that keeps evolving in meaning.

How to Get One (Without Robbing a Bank)

You can buy a circulated version for about £3 to £5 online. Etsy, eBay, or coin shops have them. The gold proof will set you back £200+ but it’s a serious investment.

Or, just start checking your change. Plenty of UK households still have these sitting in old wallets. Your grandmother might have one in her coin purse right now.

Final Thought: Why You Should Care

This coin isn’t just metal. It’s a mini-history lesson, a collector’s obsession, and a neat party trick. Next time you see a £2 coin, don’t just spend it. Look at it. Spin it. See those broken pieces.

You might be holding 300 years of drama, art, and a tiny typo worth a fortune. That’s the wild, wonderful thing about pocket change. It’s never just change.