In 2002, to celebrate the Manchester XVII Commonwealth Games, the Royal Mint released a very special Limited Issue Manchester Commonwealth Games £2 Two Pound Gold Proof 4 Coin Set, all struck in solid 22 Carat Gold.
The reverse is the work of artist and sculptor Matthew Bonaccorsi, a skilled member of the Royal Mint engraving team, whose design was the winning entry in a competition. Representing celebration, victory and sportsmanship, it shows a moving figure holding aloft a banner, the top of which is divided into lines symbolising the lanes of a running track or swimming pool.
There are four versions of the Coin, one for each of the participating teams from the United Kingdom. They are featured in turn by their flags, which appear in cameo. The obverse design depicts Ian Rank Broadley's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.
Limited Issue Presentation of 315 Sets Worldwide
Finished to the Royal Mint's Proof Quality Struck in Solid 22 Carat Gold
