Daily Archives: April 6, 2009
Gold and Silver UK Coins Celebrate Birth of Robert Burns
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of his birth, the British Royal Mint has released Robert Burns £2 Silver and Gold Proof Coins. Robert Burns, sometimes called Scotland's favorite son and still known worldwide for his work, was a poet and lyricist in the 1700's.
In a two room cottage (now known as Burns Cottage) in Alloway Scotland, Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759. Robert's mother would often sing traditional Scottish songs to him and his younger brother. His father, who was a firm believer in education, helped to persuade area residents to hire a schoolteacher named John Murdoch for all of their children. Murdoch said that Robert could quickly memorize whole passages of text. This memory would serve him well later in life.