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Commonwealth Games - 2 Pounds 2002

By Coinsanduk    |   Sunday, 15 December 2024

2 Pounds 2002 Commonwealth Games - British Coins

To celebrate the XVII Commonwealth Games which was hosted by the City of Manchester, the Royal Mint launched official Commonwealth Games £2 coin in 2002.

When England decided to bid for the Commonwealth Games, three English cities (London, Manchester and Sheffield) showed interest in hosting the Games. Sheffield withdrew from the bidding process when the city was unable to come to agreement over financial guarantees. This left the 24 members of the CGCE to choose between Manchester and London, with Manchester winning 17–7.

The reverse of the coin has been designed to represent celebration, victory and sportsmanship. It shows a moving figure holding a banner in the air, the top of which is divided into lines symbolising the lanes of a running track or those of a swimming pool.

In addition to this special design, the normal edge inscription on the £2 coin STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS was replaced by SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP • MANCHESTER 2002.

This is only the second time that the United Kingdom has issued coins for the Commonwealth Games. The coin truly captures the spirit of the occasion and we expect it to be extremely popular amongst coin collectors, sporting enthusiasts and the general public.

- Gerald Sheehan, Chief Executive of the Royal Mint

The new design was the work of the Royal Mint engraver and sculptor Matthew Bonaccorsi. His design was chosen as the winner by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join in a huge festival of sport and friendship. This coin sets an official seal on the largest and most successful multi-sport event that the UK has ever held.

- Charles Allen, Chairman of the XVII Commonwealth Games, Manchester 2002

2 Pounds 2002 Commonwealth Games Flags - British Coins

The event was considered a success for the host city, providing an opportunity to display how Manchester reeinvented itself as city, following the 1996 IRA bombings.

The venue and financial policy of the 2002 Commonwealth Games has influenced future sporting events, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

As official supplier to the XVII Commonwealth Games, the Royal Mint also produced the medals that were awarded to winning athletes.

The XVII Commonwealth Games commemorative £2 coin was available in four versions representing England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with each version distinguished by the flag of the competing nation.

The four coins came together in a presentation pack priced at £14.95. A proof sets were also available (including silver and gold).

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