A hugely talented writer and visionary thinker, George Orwell is best known for his critically acclaimed novels Animal Farm (1945) and 1984 (1949). One of the most influential literary figures of the twentieth century, Orwell possessed a distinct writing style and astute way of thinking. Many of his non-fiction works were commentaries based on real-life experiences, including a tour of the industrial north, living in poverty for several years, and serving as a Republican volunteer against Francisco Franco’s Nationalist faction. It was the latter experience that fostered Orwell’s staunch anti-totalitarianism mindset, a pervasive theme throughout his works.

Available as a silver Proof, silver Proof Piedfort and Brilliant Uncirculated edition, this coin features a masterfully crafted reverse design by the artist Henry Gray. In a clever twist, what appears to be an eye at the design’s centrepiece is a camera lens, which acknowledges the theme of totalitarianism in Orwell’s writing. Taken from 1984, the quote ‘Big brother is watching you’ encircles the lens, whilst ‘THERE WAS TRUTH AND THERE WAS UNTRUTH’, another quote from the novel, serves as the coin’s edge inscription.

KEY FEATURES

• Paying tribute to the life and legacy of George Orwell
• Experienced coinage artist Henry Gray has created a reverse design that incorporates key themes of Orwell’s writings
• The artist has cleverly inserted what looks like an eye, but is in fact a camera lens, into the centre of the design
• Accompanied by packaging that explores Orwell’s life and notable works
• Created with the support of the Orwell Foundation, an independently registered charity officially sanctioned by the Orwell Estate