The Birth of a Nightmare

Our imaginations have been captured for 200 years by the story of Frankenstein. Written by Mary Shelley and published when she was just 21 years old, her creation has left an enduring legacy that continues to amaze, inspire and shock those who encounter it.

Often called the first science fiction novel and the greatest horror novel of all time, Frankenstein remains to be at the centre of intellectual and radical thinking. It still inspires debates on scientific advancements, is discussed as avidly as when it was first published, and continues to spawn new discussions and creativity, 200 years on.

To celebrate the cultural significance and important legacy of Frankenstein we are releasing a £2 gold Proof coin, designed by Royal Mint coin designer Thomas T. Docherty. ECG monitor style wording of ‘Frankenstein’ is evident in the design, fittingly depicting a jagged pulse of a heartbeat, imitating the theme of life and death which manifests throughout the novel.