COMMONWEALTH GAMES COINS
- Romiley Coins
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
This blog post explores the link between the Commonwealth Games and commemorative British coins - including some of the milestone numismatic moments in the last 40 years.
1986: THE FIRST COMMEMORATIVE £2 COIN
The very first commemorative two pound coin was released in 1986 to commemorate the12th Commonwealth Games held in Edinburgh.
Known as the 'non-bi-metallics,' this was actually the first in a series of seven commemorative designs released in a ten year period. Each coin was made entirely of single-coloured, nickel-brass, with a thicker weight and diameter than that of it's post-1997 successor.
2002: THE RAREST TWO POUND COIN
The rarest £2 coins in circulation are the 2002 Commonwealth Games coins. The set of four was released to celebrate the Manchester Games and each coin in the set features a different flag for each of the UK nations.
The mintage figures are:
Northern Ireland (485,500)
Wales (588,500)
England (650.500)
Scotland (771,750)
These coins still remain highly sought after amongst collectors even 24 years later. No £2 coin has usurped the Northern Ireland figure as the lowest minted.
2014: THE RECORD BREAKING GAMES
Released in 2014 to commemorate the 20th Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. The coin featured a reverse design by Alex Loudon that depicts a cyclist and a runner alongside the Scottish St Andrew's Cross.
Mintage: 6.5 million
Hailed as "the standout Games in the history of the movement," it was the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland.
The event featured roughly 4,950 athletes from 71 nations and territories competing across 17 sports and 261 medal events.ames in the history of the movement," it was the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland.
2022: THE FINAL QUEEN ELIZABETH GAMES
Released in 2022 to commemorate the Birmingham Commonwealth Games - this 50p, designed by Royal Mint artist Natasha Preece, features a geometric pattern inspired by the Library of Birmingham.
This transpired to be the final Games during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II as she sadly passed away in September 2022. This is also one of the final commemorative coins released to feature her portrait.
Coin not released into general circulation - featured as part of the 2022 Royal Mint Annual Set.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE COMMONWEALTH GAMES COIN
1986 Scotland Commonwealth Games £2 coin
2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games £2 coin set
2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games 50p
2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games 50p
Published July 2026
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