The Royal Mint joins the nation to thank a generation - 75th Anniversary of VE Day
Monday 4th May
As we approach the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, The Royal Mint pays special thanks to the wartime generation who gave so much and honours their spirit and sacrifice with a £2 commemorative coin and historic coin set, which were created in association with Imperial War Museums (IWM).
One of the most important days in British – and European – history, VE Day, celebrates a milestone anniversary this year. Whilst 2020 sees the world face a different type of battle, 8th May 1945 saw the beginning of the end of the Second World War, the six-year conflict that cost millions of lives and shaped the future of countries and continents.
The VE Day £2 commemorative coin was created by Royal Mint graphic designer Dominique Evans and symbolises the first steps towards peace and recovery. Dominique commented: “Iconic images of VE Day serve to remind us of the magnitude of events. Millions came together in the streets to celebrate the end of the war in Europe, inspiring me to put people at the very heart of this coin. The rays evoke search lights, a familiar sight in the skies during wartime, except here they represent rays of hope.
“VE Day is still a piece of living history. I hope the coin enables people to capture the poignancy of this landmark anniversary, one remembered by those who were there and celebrated by the generations that followed.”
Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint commented: “Our VE Day commemorative coin was inspired by a shared sense of community and loyalty. During these challenging times that the nation finds itself in, we may be unable to join with our loved ones to mark this national milestone, but it feels especially important that we come together to protect the older generation that sacrificed so much for us”.
IWM Senior Curator, Stephen Walton, commented “The events of May 1945 initiated and defined the world we live in today. The costliest conflict in human history was nearing its end, and a new era of hope, optimism and social transformation was beginning. Much anxiety and many challenges remained, but the determination prevailed that, out of an unprecedented global catastrophe, a better human society should emerge and there is no doubt that the relevance of this vision is as strong now as it was then.”
Special historic coin sets have also been created as part of the collection which include the official VE Day 75 commemorative £2 coin and the circulating coinage from 1945 has been created to capture the spirit and stoicism of the wartime generation and the gratitude of those that followed.
The Royal Mint will also strike just 750 Sovereigns featuring Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the dragon design on 8 May 2020. The coin features a special VE Day 75 mint mark and the striking is authenticated by a hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity.
The VE Day coin and historic sets are available to purchase from www.royalmint.com in a range of precious metal and base proof finishes, prices start from £10. A donation from each coin purchased will be made to Imperial War Museums, to support their valuable work.