The Royal Mint’s Great Fire of London £2 coin
22 Aug 2016
The Royal Mint has teamed up with brave firefighters from the City of London’s only fire station – Dowgate - to mark two ‘great’ anniversaries with one special commemorative coin.
The Royal Mint’s commemorative 2016 Great Fire of London £2 piece, which recalls the dramatic events of the Great Fire 350 years ago, honours the residents who were forced to ‘leave all to the fire’ in 1666 when the devastation struck. The event would go on to shape the iconic skyline of the London we know today.
Now a copy of the coin is to be presented to firefighters of the Dowgate Fire Station Team to celebrate the London Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary, and the work they do to help keep the present day City of London safe.
A circulating version of the coin is due to be issued shortly, when the public can expect to see it appearing in their change.
Anne Jessopp, The Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin, said: “The Royal Mint was based in the Tower of London at the time, and provided a safe haven when the Great Fire took hold, so it is fitting that we are to commemorate this famous event in British history with the creation of The Great Fire of London £2 coin. We are particularly proud that the honour of designing this coin has been won by Royal Mint designer, Aaron West.”
The coin design, by Royal Mint designer Aaron West, carries the fifth portrait of Her Majesty The Queen on its obverse.