A new 50p commemorative coin has been released by the Royal Mint to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. The coin features a design by David Lawrence depicting Allied soldiers on the beaches of Normandy with aircraft overhead. The reverse side of the coin includes the inscription “D-Day 6 June 1944 Utah Omaha Gold Juno Sword”, while the obverse side features the official portrait of the King. The coin was unveiled ahead of the anniversary on June 6.
To mark the release of the coin, French sand artist Jehan-Benjamin Tarain recreated the design on Gold beach, where troops landed in 1944. The sand art, which was 35 meters in diameter, took over five hours to create. The collaboration with Sam Dougados and support from Imperial War Museums highlighted the craftsmanship and significance of the D-Day operation. The coin serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of British and Allied troops during the historic event.
Rebecca Morgan, the director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, emphasized the role of coins as reminders of pivotal moments in history. The new D-Day 50p coin is a lasting tribute to the courage and resilience of the troops involved in Operation Overlord. David Fenton, assistant director of commercial at Imperial War Museums, expressed delight in supporting the commemorative coin. He highlighted D-Day as the largest combined naval, air, and land operation, giving historical significance to the coin.
French sand artist Jehan-Benjamin Tarain, known as Jben, reflected on the special nature of the project and the privileged role that the team played in recreating the design on the beach where troops landed. The sand art collaboration between the French and British forces on the 80th anniversary of D-Day symbolized the united allied effort during the operation. The coins are available for purchase on the Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting from £12. The coin design and the sand art project aim to honor the memory of those who fought bravely during the historic mission.
The release of the D-Day commemorative coin received praise from garden fans, who found John Lewis’ two-seater bench to be surprisingly comfortable and well-priced. The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings through the commemorative coin and sand art on Gold beach represents a significant tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Allied soldiers. The intricate design and historical significance of the coin serve as a permanent reminder of the bravery and resilience displayed during one of the most crucial moments in World War II history.
