The 2011 UK Mary Rose £2 Gold Proof Coin

The Mary Rose, the great Tudor warship raised from the deep in 1982 and now being restored at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, is the engaging subject of one of this year’s two commemorative £2 coins.

This £2 coin celebrates the 500th anniversary of the launch of the Mary Rose in 1511. The reverse features an intricately detailed depiction of the Mary Rose that was inspired by the only known contemporary painting of her. It was created by John Bergdahl FRBS who explains: ‘After a trip to the museum currently the home to the Mary Rose, I was immediately inspired by the only acknowledged painting of this iconic vessel – an image that I used as the basis for my design.’ Appropriately enough, only 1511 gold Proof coins will be minted.

Celebrating the 500th anniversary of her launch and making a compelling picture on the reverse of the gold Proof £2 coin, the Mary Rose is shown in her prime, complete with the heraldic banners and streamers that made Tudor vessels so awe-inspiring. The edge inscription reads: YOUR NOBLEST SHIPPE 1511.

The coin is housed in a handsome presentation case complete with a uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity testifying to its low mintage limit.