Title: Commemorating a Dystopian Chill: George Orwell's 75th Death Anniversary Honored with Special Coin
The two-pound coin sports an apparent eye, but upon closer inspection, it's actually a camera lens. The edge of the coin features a quote from George Orwell's dystopian novel, "1984": "There was truth and there was untruth."
Henry Gray, the coin's designer, explained that the theme of totalitarianism was the driving force behind his creation. He noted that with advanced surveillance technology and advertisers listening in on phone conversations, individuals are acutely aware of being under watch. This very essence is at the heart of "1984", according to Gray.
The realistic eye in the design is intentionally absent of features like eyelashes, transforming it into a monocular, ever-watching camera lens. Intended to gaze unblinking, this design resonates with the novel's oppressive atmosphere.
"1984" is set in a not-so-distant future, narrating the story of civil servant Winston Smith who, struggling against a totalitarian government led by Big Brother, demonstrates a secret rebellion.
George Orwell, the author, passed away at a London hospital in January 1950, just a few months after the publication of "1984". The Royal Mint of Britain will release this collectible coin on a Wednesday, with prices starting at seventeen and a half pounds.
This £2 coin marks the fourth literary figure commemorated on this denomination, following the footsteps of Shakespeare, Austen, and Tolkien.
Orwell's masterpiece continues to carry significant weight and relevance in today's world, where debates on surveillance technology and privacy are at the forefront. The coin serves as an enduring reminder of the importance of preserving truth and freedom, echoing Orwell's warnings about the dangers of totalitarianism.
The coin's design, reflecting the theme of totalitarianism, incorporates the arts of coin-making to convey a subtle message. The monocular lens, representing the omnipresent surveillance in "1984", showcases a unique style similar to the dystopian novel.
