Coin | Silver Half Ounce 2020 VE Day |
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The half ounce silver piece is a bullion and commemorative denomination issued by the Royal Mint. It is used mostly for Britannia-type coins: British bullion coins issued in gold since 1987 and in silver since 1997. Some of the one-year types are not Britannia-themed though.
This coin commemorates VE Day - 75 years since the end of World War Two in Western Europe.
The Royal Mint says: Following news of Germany's surrender, 8 May 1945 - Victory in Europe (VE) Day - was declared a public holiday. With bunting strung from lamp posts and pubs stocked with beer, war-weary Britons could finally celebrate. People danced and hugged in the streets as sheer joy broke down social conventions. “This is your victory”, declared Winston Churchill, paying tribute to the British people who had remained unbowed by the bombings and blackouts. VE Day remains in the memory of all who witnessed it. Seventy-five years on, we thank the generation who gave so much and honour their spirit and sacrifice.
In 2020, we remember the first hopeful steps towards lasting peace and the promise of a brighter future with a commemorative £2 coin. Available in limited-edition gold Proof, silver Proof and silver Proof Piedfort editions, alongside a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, Royal Mint graphic designer Dominique Evans captures the magnitude of events with a design that puts people at the very heart of the coin - the rays emanating from the centre evoke a sense of hope. As we mark this landmark anniversary, it’s a poignant reminder of the strength of national unity in times of crisis." |
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Obverse | |
The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait").
In small letters below the head, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).
Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch's legend, followed by the date of issue and the face value: ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 1 POUND · 2020 ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, followed by the value and denomination in English and the year.
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Reverse | |
The reverse depicts people celebrating victory in the streets, with a young woman in the foreground holding high a folded newspaper with the text VE-DAY IT'S OVER IN EUROPE visible. The background has a pattern of rays radiating out, as a symbol of hope.
Above, the anniversary dates 1945 - 2020.
Around below, the inscription VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY.
The designer's initials DME (for Dominique Evans) are in the right field of the outer ring, above the letter Y of DAY.
The value and denomination are on the obverse. |
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Reverse Inscription |
1945 - 2020 VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Notes | The coin was issued in a joint three-country set only, not individually. |
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See also |
Coins issued to mark the 75th Anniversary of World War Two include: - 5 oz Gold, End of World War Two, United Kingdom 2020 - 2 oz Gold, End of WWII 75th Anniversary, Australia 2020 - 1/4 oz Gold, End of WWII 75th Anniversary, Australia 2020 - 1/4 oz Gold, End of World War Two, United Kingdom 2020 - 0.5 g Gold, End of WWII 75th Anniversary, Australia 2020 - 5 oz Silver, End of World War Two, United Kingdom 2020 - 2 oz Silver Antiqued, End of WWII 75th Anniversary, Australia 2020 - 1 oz Silver, End of WWII 75th Anniversary, Australia 2020 - 1/2 oz Silver, VE Day, United Kingdom 2020 - 1/10 oz Silver, End of WWII 75th Anniversary, Australia 2020 - £5 Copper-nickel / silver / gold, End of World War Two, United Kingdom 2020 - £2 bimetallic / silver / gold, VE Day, United Kingdom 2020 - $1 Aluminium Bronze, Victory in the Pacific, Australia 2020
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