Two Pounds 2020 VE Day, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The bi-metallic £2 coin is the largest circulating coin denomination of the Pound Sterling. It was introduced in 1998 (earlier two pound coins were made of Nickel brass, were intended as commemorative, and did not circulate much). Being bi-metallic means that the coin comprises two separate components of differing alloys; the outer ring of the coins is made of Nickel-Brass (76% copper, 4% nickel, 20% zinc) and the inner circle is CuproNickel (75% copper, 25% nickel).

The Royal Mint maintains a "definitive" style of the £2 issued annually, as well as a large variety of one-year circulating commemorative types.

In 2017, the mint also started issuing some Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) £2 coins for collectors. These are included in the annual mint sets, but are not released into general circulation. Their themes celebrate important anniversaries or people, as well as iconic aspects of British culture and history.

This £2 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."

These £2 coins were struck in various collector formats but none were issued into general circulation.