New 50p coin to be released to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day landings

11 April 2024 , 11:35

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The new coins will commemorate D-day (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

A new 50p coin commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings has been announced by the Royal Mint.

The 'tails' side of the coin, which will be revealed before the June 6 anniversary, is set to feature a poignant design of Allied troops storming the beaches of Normandy. On that historic day in 1944, known as Operation Overlord, thousands of Allied troops landed on five beaches codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beginning the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

Created with input from the Imperial War Museums, the coin's design includes soldiers exiting a landing craft with the inscription: "D-Day 6 June 1944 Utah Omaha Gold Juno Sword." King Charles III's effigy will grace the "heads" side of the commemorative piece.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, expressed pride in honouring the pivotal World War II event, saying: "This year marks eight decades since the D-Day landings, a day which has since been regarded as one of the most significant events in our nation's history. We have been marking historic anniversaries on coins for centuries and we are proud to pay tribute to this life-changing operation, recognising the bravery of all involved."

Collectors and history buffs will soon be able to purchase the coin directly from the Royal Mint, with the option to sign up for updates on its release via their website.

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