The Royal Mint has released a special collection of coins to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a historic event that took place on June 6, 1944. These coins are a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought during World War II and mark a significant moment in history. The designs were created with help from experts at the Imperial War Museums and aim to capture the essence of this pivotal event.
| Coin Type | Material | Weight | Diameter | Mintage Limit | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-Penny Brilliant Uncirculated | Copper-nickel | 8g | 27.3mm | Unlimited | 12 |
| 50-Penny Proof | .925 Fine Silver | 8g | 27.3mm | 6,610 pieces | 61 |
| 50-Penny Proof Piedfort | .925 Fine Silver | 16g | 27.3mm | 1,954 pieces | 113.50 |
| 50-Penny Proof | .9999 Fine Gold | 0.80g | 8mm | 2,034 pieces | 99.50 |
| 50-Penny Proof | .9167 Fine Gold | 15.5g | 27.3mm | 470 pieces | 1,220 |
| £25 Proof | .9999 Fine Gold | 7.8g | 22mm | 510 pieces | 750 |
| £200 Proof | .9999 Fine Gold | 62.42g | 40mm | 86 pieces | 5,305 |
| Strike-on-Day Sovereign | .9167 Fine Gold | 7.988g | 22.05mm | 1,010 pieces | 850 |
Overview of the D-Day Coin Collection
The Royal Mint is issuing seven different versions of the D-Day 80th anniversary coin, each with unique features. These coins come in various denominations and materials, from copper-nickel to fine gold. Each coin depicts a powerful image of Allied soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy, surrounded by offensive aircraft in the sky above. This design was created by artist David Lawrence and includes the names of the five main assault beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
The release of these coins is particularly meaningful, as it is considered “the last landmark anniversary of D-Day to be observed by those who served.”
D-Day Sand Art Tribute
In celebration of the coin’s release, French sand artist Jehan-Benjamin Tarain, along with his team, created a massive sand art piece on Gold Beach, one of the D-Day landing sites. The art, which took over five hours to complete, was inspired by the D-Day 80th anniversary coin design. This collaboration serves as a tribute to the united effort between the French and British forces 80 years ago.
Jehan-Benjamin expressed his pride in being part of this project, calling it “an important reminder of the united Allied effort” during World War II. The sand art measured 35 meters in diameter and captured the detailed craftsmanship seen in the coin design.
Coin Specifications and Versions
The D-Day coins come in various versions, catering to collectors with different preferences. Below are the key details of each coin:
1. 50-Penny Brilliant Uncirculated Copper-Nickel Coin
- Weight: 8 grams
- Diameter: 27.3 millimeters
- Mintage: Unlimited
- Price: £12
2. 50-Penny Proof .925 Fine Silver Coin
- Weight: 8 grams
- Diameter: 27.3 millimeters
- Mintage Limit: 6,610 pieces (5,000 available individually)
- Price: £61
3. 50-Penny Proof .925 Fine Silver Piedfort Coin
- Weight: 16 grams
- Diameter: 27.3 millimeters
- Mintage Limit: 1,954 pieces (1,944 available individually)
- Price: £113.50
4. 50-Penny Proof 1/40-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold Coin
- Weight: 0.80 grams
- Diameter: 8 millimeters
- Mintage Limit: 2,034 pieces (2,024 available individually)
- Price: £99.50
5. 50-Penny Proof .9167 Fine Gold Coin
- Weight: 15.5 grams
- Diameter: 27.3 millimeters
- Mintage Limit: 470 pieces (350 available individually)
- Price: £1,220
6. £25 Proof Quarter-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold Coin
- Weight: 7.8 grams
- Diameter: 22 millimeters
- Mintage Limit: 510 pieces (500 available individually)
- Price: £750
7. £200 Proof 2-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold Coin
- Weight: 62.42 grams
- Diameter: 40 millimeters
- Mintage Limit: 86 pieces (80 available individually)
- Price: £5,305
Special Strike-On-Day Sovereign
In addition to the D-Day coins, the Royal Mint is also issuing a Brilliant Uncirculated .9167 fine gold sovereign to be struck on June 6, 2024, the exact 80th anniversary of D-Day. The sovereign will feature the classic Benedetto Pistrucci design of St. George slaying a dragon, with a special privy mark depicting a tiny helmet and the number 80 before the date.
- Weight: 7.988 grams
- Diameter: 22.05 millimeters
- Mintage Limit: 1,010 pieces (1,000 available individually)
- Price: £850
Collectors’ Opportunity
These commemorative coins are expected to be highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and limited mintage. The variety of designs and metals provides a range of options for different budgets, making this collection accessible to many. The coins can be purchased through the Royal Mint’s official website
Conclusion
The Royal Mint’s release of the D-Day 80th anniversary coins is not only a tribute to the soldiers who served during World War II but also a reminder of the enduring impact of the D-Day landings. These coins honor the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the historic event, making them a valuable addition to any collection.
For collectors, this release presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. The variety of designs, materials, and price points make these coins a fitting tribute to one of the most significant military operations in history.
FAQs
Q1: What are the D-Day 80th Anniversary coins?
A1: The D-Day 80th Anniversary coins are a collection of seven special coins issued by the Royal Mint to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, an important event in World War II. Each coin depicts Allied soldiers landing in Normandy with aircraft in the sky above.
Q2: Who designed the D-Day 80th Anniversary coins?
A2: The coins were designed by David Lawrence and feature Allied soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy. The design also includes the code names of the five assault beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
Q3: What are the different versions of the D-Day 80th Anniversary coins?
A3: The coins are available in different materials, including copper-nickel, fine silver, and fine gold. They come in various weights and sizes, with limited mintage for some versions.
Q4: Is there a special coin released for the exact anniversary date?
A4: Yes, a Brilliant Uncirculated gold sovereign with a privy mark will be struck on June 6, 2024, exactly 80 years after the D-Day landings. This sovereign has a mintage limit of 1,010 pieces.
Q5: Where can I purchase the D-Day 80th Anniversary coins?
A6: The prices range from £12 for the copper-nickel 50-penny coin to £5,305 for the 2-ounce gold £200 coin, depending on the material, size, and mintage limit.