Royal Mint Strikes D-Day Tribute Coin to Mark 80 Years
Epic 50p Coin Celebrates Normandy Landings
The Royal Mint has unveiled a stunning new 50p coin to mark 80 years since the iconic D-Day landings. Revealed ahead of the June 6 anniversary, the coin’s reverse side showcases Allied soldiers storming the beaches of Normandy, with aircraft soaring overhead.
Designed by David Lawrence in collaboration with the Imperial War Museums, the coin features the inscription: “D-Day 6 June 1944 Utah Omaha Gold Juno Sword.” The obverse bears the official portrait of King Charles.
Massive Sand Art Brings History to Life
To celebrate the launch, French sand artist Jehan-Benjamin Tarain—known as Jben—and fellow artist Sam Dougados recreated the coin’s design in giant sand art right on Gold Beach, one of the legendary landing sites. The 35-metre-wide masterpiece took five and a half hours to complete.
Honouring Bravery Through Art and Coin
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, said: “Coins have long served as reminders of pivotal moments in history. We are proud to unveil this tribute to the courage and resilience of British and Allied troops eight decades ago.”
David Fenton, assistant director at Imperial War Museums, added: “D-Day was the largest combined naval, air, and land operation in warfare history. This coin echoes the bravery and sacrifice of those who made it possible.”
Sand artist Jben reflected, “We feel very lucky to translate the craftsmanship of this coin into sand art on the very beaches where history was made. It’s a powerful reminder of the allied unity between French and British forces 80 years ago.”
Get Your Hands on the Historic Coin
The D-Day 80th anniversary coins are now on sale from the Royal Mint website, starting at just £12. Grab yours and honour the heroes of Normandy!
