2016 William Shakespeare Gold Proof 0.25 Ounce Coin

2016 William Shakespeare 1/4 Ounce Gold Proof Coin.

This coin issued by the Royal Mint commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death.

Struck in .999 fine gold, this quarter ounce coin is one of only 350 coins issued. It comes complete with a certificate of authenticity and a presentation box.

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was born in Stratford-upon-Avon to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. William was the third of eight children and was their oldest surviving child as their first two children died in infancy.

Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582 and 6 months later, Anne gave birth to Suzanna. Nearly 2 years later, Anne gave birth to twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet would later die of unknown causes at the age of 11.

It is not known when Shakespeare began writing but records show that a number of his plays were shown on the London stage by 1592.

His works and collaborations include 39 plays, 154 sonnets and 3 long narrative poems, many of which have been translated into every major living language.

'Put Money in Thy Purse'

This phrase comes from Act 1 Scene 3 of Othello when Iago urges Roderigo to sell his land and assets in order to have money so Desdemona will fall in love with him. Roderigo is later stabbed in the back by Iago who had been using Roderigo for his money. 

The obverse features the fifth portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II as designed by Jody Clark.

The reverse features the image of William Shakespeare and bears the inscription:

PUT MONEY IN THY PURSE • 2016

"Put money in thy purse" is taken from Shakespeare's play, Othello.