2005 Gold 2 Pound Coin - Gunpowder Plot

The 2005 two pounds piece commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. Only 914 gold proof 'Gunpowder Plot' two pounds pieces were issued by the Royal Mint in 2005.

Back in 1605 there was a failed assassination attempt to kill King James I. The plot was to use gunpowder to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening. It is often refered to as the Gunpowder plot.

The plot was by a group of provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby. He had many fellow plotters, but in charge of the explosives was Guy Fawkes

There was an anonymous letter sent to the authorities telling of the plan and when the House of Lords was searched on 5th November 1605 they found Guy Fawkes and 36 barrels of gunpowder - enough to flatten the entire building. The plotters who didn't escape were convicted and then subjected to horrible deaths.

Many of us still celebrate the date with gunpowder - as fireworks on Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Day.

Designed by Peter Forrster, the reverse depicts an arrangement of crosiers, maces and swords, surrounded by stars, with the dates '1605' and '2005' above, and the denomination 'TWO POUNDS' below.

The edge inscription reads 'REMEMBER REMEMBER THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER'.

Queen Elizabeth II's fourth portrait can be seen on the obverse, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.



The two pounds piece is made of solid 22 carat gold (Gold Fineness of 0.916), and weighs 15.98 grams. It has a diameter of 28.40mm.

The outer disc is made of 'red' gold, with the inner disc being 'yellow' gold.

The coin is was originally housed in a Royal Mint acrylic screw top capsule and presented in a Royal Mint green leatherette case, accompanied with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity (COA).