Royal Mint celebrates 50 Years of the 50p with new military set

The commemorative set is available in a range of precious metals

Over the years, the Royal Mint has chosen to celebrate some of the UK’s greatest achievements, events and milestones, from the life and work of Stephen Hawking to the 100th anniversary of the Girl Guides.

Now, to mark the seven-sided coin’s 50th anniversary, the company has launched a unique set of commemorative coins that represent the nation’s military achievements and the courage of those who served.

Spanning almost one thousand years of history, the military set includes five 50p coins that have been previously launched to mark a number of events, including the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, 50 years since the D-Day Landings, the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and 150 years since the Victoria Cross was introduced.

Nicola Howell, director of the consumer business at the Royal Mint, said: “The distinctive design of the 50p has become hugely popular since it was introduced in Britain 50 years ago. Over the years, it’s been fantastic to launch commemorative versions of this popular coin to mark significant cultural and historic events for the nation.

“Following the launch of the cultural commemorative 50p set earlier this year, we’re delighted to be revealing this special 50p military set to reflect on some of Britain’s most historic military achievements.”

Here, we take a look at the meaning behind each of the new coins.

The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

The first coin in the new set was first launched to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2015.

According to the Royal Mint, the three-month-long battle in 1940 handed Germany its first defeat, which would prove crucial in determining the outcome of the Second World War.

The 50th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings

To mark the 50th anniversary since the D-Day Landings in 1994, The Royal Mint released this design commemorating the largest amphibious assault in military history.

The 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings

This 50 pence piece was first unveiled in 2016 to mark 950 years since one of the most infamous battles in British history.

The 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross

Introduced in 1856 thanks to the support of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, the Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry that British servicemen and servicewomen can receive.

The design of this coin depicts the medal that is still awarded to this day in recognition of acts of extraordinary bravery.

The 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross (Heroic Acts)

Since its inception in 1856, more than 1,300 Victoria Crosses have been awarded for outstanding acts of heroism, testament to the extreme bravery of Armed Forces personnel who risk life and limb in defence of Britain’s interests.

The commemorative set will be available to purchase from www.royalmint.com in a range of precious metal, base proof and brilliant uncirculated finishes, prices start from £45.