Bicentenary of the Zoological Society of London: SILVER PROOF
The 200 Years of ZSL 2026 UK £2 Silver Proof Coin was officially launched by The Royal Mint on 14 April 2026 to celebrate the bicentenary of the Zoological Society of London. This specific silver proof edition has a Limited Edition Presentation of 1,500.
Design: Created by artist Jonathan Olliffe, the reverse features three animals representing ZSL's
conservation impact: the Sumatran tiger, the Socorro dove, and the Partula snail.
Edge Inscription: The coin's edge is inscribed with the message "• RESTORING WILDLIFE TOGETHER".
- Material: .925 sterling silver.
- Weight: 12.00g.
- Diameter: 28.40mm.
- Finish: Proof.
This commemorative £2 coin serves as a miniature time capsule, bridging two centuries of scientific history. By featuring the Sumatran tiger alongside the lesser-known Socorro dove and Partula snail, the design shifts the focus from the traditional "menagerie" of the 1820s to the vital conservation work of the 2020s. It’s a thoughtful tribute to ZSL’s evolution from a Victorian society for the curious to a global powerhouse for wildlife recovery.
For collectors, the strict Limited Edition Presentation of 1,500 makes this one of the scarcer silver proof £2 releases in recent years. Its release marks a significant moment in British numismatic history, capturing a milestone for an institution that gave the world the word "zoo" and inspired generations of naturalists.
Whether it is kept for its investment potential or its artistic merit, the coin stands as a permanent reminder of the mission inscribed on its edge: a commitment to restoring wildlife together for the next 200 years.
