Semi-Numismatic

2026 GB 200 Yrs of Zoological Society of London £2 BU coin

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Struck by the Royal Mint to mark a major bicentennial, this British two-pound coin honors two hundred years of the Zoological Society of London. Established in 1826, the institution has spent two centuries dedicated to the study and preservation of the animal kingdom, a milestone commemorated on this legal tender issue backed by the government of the United Kingdom. The reverse of the coin, created by artist Jonathan Olliffe, highlights global conservation efforts by depicting three distinct species: the Sumatran tiger, the Socorro dove, and the Partula snail. These creatures represent different facets of the natural world and the ongoing mission to protect vulnerable wildlife. Running along the edge of the coin is the incuse inscription "RESTORING WILDLIFE TOGETHER", emphasizing the collaborative spirit of modern conservation. On the obverse, the coin displays the official effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, alongside the 2026 year of issue and the face value. Minted in a brilliant uncirculated finish, this cupro-nickel coin weighs 0.23 ounces and serves as a lasting tribute to two centuries of scientific discovery and animal preservation.