Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, The Royal Mint has unveiled a stunning coin program in collaboration with the Imperial War Museums. This special collection honors the bravery and sacrifices of those who served during this pivotal event in World War II. Let’s delve into the details of this historic release.
| Coin Version | Material | Weight | Diameter | Mintage Limit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Uncirculated 50-penny Coin | Copper-Nickel | 8 grams | 27.3 mm | Unlimited | £12 |
| Proof .925 Fine Silver 50-penny Coin | .925 Fine Silver | 8 grams | 27.3 mm | 6,610 pieces | £61 |
| Proof .925 Fine Silver Piedfort Coin | .925 Fine Silver | 16 grams (double) | 27.3 mm | 1,954 pieces | £113.50 |
| Proof 1/40-ounce .9999 Fine Gold Coin | .9999 Fine Gold | 0.80 grams | 8 mm | 2,034 pieces | £99.50 |
| Proof .9167 Fine Gold 50-penny Coin | .9167 Fine Gold | 15.5 grams | 27.3 mm | 470 pieces | £1,220 |
| Proof Quarter-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold | .9999 Fine Gold | 7.8 grams | 22 mm | 510 pieces | £750 |
| Proof 2-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold £200 Coin | .9999 Fine Gold | 62.42 grams | 40 mm | 86 pieces | £5,305 |
| Strike-on-Day Sovereign | .9167 Fine Gold | 7.988 grams | 22.05 mm | Limited | £TBA |
What Makes This Coin Collection Unique?
The D-Day coins are crafted to mark what is described as “the last landmark anniversary of D-Day to be observed by those who served.” The designs were created by expert engraver David Lawrence and include elements inspired by the stories of Allied soldiers and their historic mission.
Highlights of the D-Day Coin Design
- Iconic Imagery: The reverse side of the coins depicts Allied soldiers disembarking from landing crafts onto the beaches of Normandy, symbolizing courage and unity. Aircraft hover above, representing the aerial support that was vital to the mission.
- Powerful Inscription: Each coin is inscribed with “D-DAY 6 JUNE 1944 UTAH OMAHA GOLD JUNO SWORD,” referring to the five beaches where the landings took place under “Operation Overlord.”
- A Collaborative Tribute: French sand artist Jehan-Benjamin Tarain, alongside Sam Dougados, created a breathtaking 35-meter sand art replica of the coin’s design on “Gold” beach, emphasizing the allied effort between France and Britain.
A Glimpse Into the Specifications
The coin series offers seven versions, each catering to different collectors:
50-Penny Coins
- Brilliant Uncirculated Copper-Nickel Coin
- Weight: 8 grams
- Diameter: 27.3 mm
- Unlimited mintage, priced at £12
- Proof .925 Fine Silver Coin
- Weight: 8 grams
- Mintage Limit: 6,610 pieces
- Price: £61
- Proof .925 Fine Silver Piedfort Coin
- Weight: 16 grams (double thickness)
- Mintage Limit: 1,954 pieces
- Price: £113.50
- Proof 1/40-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold Coin
- Weight: 0.80 grams
- Mintage Limit: 2,034 pieces
- Price: £99.50
- Proof .9167 Fine Gold Coin
- Weight: 15.5 grams
- Mintage Limit: 470 pieces
- Price: £1,220
Gold Coins
- Proof Quarter-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold £25 Coin
- Weight: 7.8 grams
- Mintage Limit: 510 pieces
- Price: £750
- Proof 2-Ounce .9999 Fine Gold £200 Coin
- Weight: 62.42 grams
- Mintage Limit: 86 pieces
- Price: £5,305
Strike-on-Day Sovereign: A Collector’s Gem
On June 6, 2024, The Royal Mint will issue a Brilliant Uncirculated .9167 fine gold sovereign.
- Privy Mark: Features a unique design of a helmet atop the number “80” before the date.
- Reverse Design: The timeless Benedetto Pistrucci depiction of St. George slaying a dragon.
- Specifications:
- Weight: 7.988 grams
- Diameter: 22.05 mm
The Role of History and Art
This coin series is not just about preserving history; it also bridges art and commemoration. David Lawrence’s intricate designs and the collaborative sand art on the shores of Normandy create a powerful narrative of remembrance and legacy.
Jehan-Benjamin, known for his large-scale beach art, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This project is a fitting tribute to all who served during World War II.”
Key Takeaways
- These coins are the first in a new military-themed series from The Royal Mint, setting the stage for future tributes.
- The variety of materials, sizes, and price points ensures accessibility for all collectors, from casual enthusiasts to serious numismatists.
- The D-Day coins offer a tangible connection to one of history’s most heroic moments.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the D-Day 80th Anniversary coins?
The D-Day 80th Anniversary coins are a tribute to the brave soldiers who participated in the D-Day landings of World War II. The Royal Mint’s collection commemorates this historic event and honors the sacrifices made by the Allied forces during the landings on June 6, 1944.
2. Who designed the D-Day coin collection?
The reverse of the coins was designed by David Lawrence, a skilled engraver. The design showcases Allied soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy, accompanied by the inscription of the five key beaches where the landings took place: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
3. How many different coins are available in the collection?
There are seven versions of the D-Day commemorative coin, including various materials such as copper-nickel, fine silver, and fine gold, each available in limited quantities. The collection also includes a special gold sovereign struck on June 6, 2024.
4. What is a piedfort coin?
A piedfort coin is a thicker version of a traditional coin, typically with double the weight and thickness. The Proof .925 fine silver piedfort 50-penny coin in this collection weighs 16 grams and is a limited edition of only 1,954 pieces.
5. Where can I buy the D-Day anniversary coins?
These coins are available directly from The Royal Mint. They offer a range of options from the Brilliant Uncirculated versions to the higher-end Proof coins, which are available for individual purchase.