Providing a unique insight into Tudor life, the iconic warship, reclaimed from the deep in 1982, now rests at her home in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard while her incredible story continues to fascinate each generation.

The special reverse for the £2 coin was created by John Bergdahl FRBS who was inspired by the drawing of her included in the pictorial survey of Henry VIII’s navy compiled in 1546 by an official in the ordnance office. Originally comprising three rolls of vellum, the manuscript features paintings of each of the king's 58 ships, below which are set details of their guns, shot, and related equipment. Several of the illustrations have become familiar, especially that of the Mary Rose, herself already a wreck when the work was presented to the king.

John explains: ‘After a trip to the museum currently the home to the Mary Rose, I was immediately inspired by the only acknowledged painting of this iconic vessel – an image that I used as the basis for my design.’