2017-10-31 Tue

The gunpowder plot was a failed assassination attempt on King James I of England and VI of Scotland by provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby in 1605.

The 400th anniversary of the plan involving Guy Fawkes was observed with the release of a Gunpowder Plot £2 coin in 2005. It is said to be rarer than the Kew Gardens’ 50p.

One of these coins with a spelling error has been spotted recently and is currently for sale on eBay for £500. The Royal Mint claims that it is not possible that such an error could occur. The correct text around the rim of the coin reads "Remember remember the fifth of November". The error coin has 'P' instead of 'R' in the word 'NOVEMBER'. The Royal Mail claims that the error could have occurred during the production process.

One side of the coin features a mace, crosier, and sword - symbols representing the survival of British government. There are Stars on the gold rim around the silver centre. The dates 1605 and 2005 are also inscribed.