Some 350 years after his last entry, diarist Samuel Pepys is being honoured with a £2 coin.
Pepys - who lived through and chronicled the Great Fire of London and plague - is getting recognition thanks to the understanding he brought of what life was like during some of the most important moments of the seventeenth century.
His diaries were made as a young man and published after his death, gaining huge popularity in the 19th century.
He wrote the diary in shorthand, then later copied it out and had the loose pages bound into six volumes.
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They fascinated readers upon publication thanks to their personal take on some massive events.
For example, when news of the Great Fire of London reached him, Pepys collected what valuables he could to take with him and then - to keep them safe - buried some wine and a Parmesan cheese too. The cheese has sadly never been found.
In his diary he even recounts a visit to the Royal Mint (then housed in the Tower of London) in May 1663, explaining how the new coins of Charles II were produced.
Nicola Howell, director of The Royal Mint consumer division, said: “Samuel Pepys’ diary had an incredible contribution to our current understanding of the historic events of the seventeenth century, so we’re thrilled to be commemorating 350 years since his final entry.”
The commemorative £2 coin has been designed by sculptor Gary Breeze. It depicts the final page of his diary, written in shorthand, and a quill.
The inscription – ‘the good God prepare me’ – comes from Pepys reflecting on his failing eyesight.
The coin is being produced in four versions, one gold, two silver of different sizes and a "brilliant" proof version in more traditional metals.
The Royal Mint said it's being produced in low numbers and will not be entering general circulation, and if past form is anything to go by it will start popping up on eBay for several times its list price of £10 very quicky.
Head to www.royalmint.com to get one.
