VE Day 50p coin design features a dove of peace

The VE Day 50p coin design features a dove of peace and the coins are available to buy from the Mint's website

The Royal Mint has unveiled a new 50p coin design to mark the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

The design, which features a dove of peace and the inscription “In peace goodwill”, pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the generation who secured peace in Europe in May 1945.

The coin, which is now available to buy from the Mint’s website, will be available in a range of finishes, from brilliant uncirculated versions to silver and gold.

On May 8 2025, the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Mint will also be striking a special gold edition of the coin.

To mark the launch of the new design, the Mint invited guests from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to its premises.

Veterans Ron Horsey, aged 98, and Richard Pelzer, 101, who are both from Swansea and served with the Royal Engineers, had a behind-the-scenes tour of the manufacturing site in South Wales and were invited to take part in coin striking.

Mr Horsey said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been invited to the Royal Mint to strike this coin. VE Day holds such meaning for me and many others, and to be able to strike this design representing peace on to a coin all these years later is truly moving.

“I hope this coin reminds people of the freedom we enjoy today and the cost at which it came.”

The Taxi Charity provides outings and social events for veterans of World War II and the Korean War, and the guests were able to meet some of the chauffeurs who volunteer their time and Classic London Taxis to transport veterans to events and outings.

The chauffeurs also shared their own family stories of service in the war.

Vice president of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans Dick Goodwin described the visit as “a wonderful experience”.

He added: “It was a privilege to meet the chauffeurs and hear their stories of service. We are grateful to the Royal Mint for inviting us and for the work they do to keep British history alive.”

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “The VE Day coin pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the generation who secured peace in Europe in May 1945 and it was fitting to welcome Ron and Richard to site to strike one of the first coins.

“We are also grateful to the chauffeurs from the Taxi Charity for joining us today. Their volunteer work provides a vital service to keep the memories of the war generation alive.”

The Mint has a tradition of marking significant events in history. Recent coins include a Red Arrows 50p, which sold out in record time, and a Stories of the Second World War 50p.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day was also marked with a 50p coin, which was launched earlier in the year.

Prices for the new 50p coin will start at £14.50 for a brilliant uncirculated version in a presentation case and an e-certificate of authenticity.

A 10-coin 80th anniversary of VE Day set in a presentation case with an e-certificate of authenticity will also be available for £1,640.

The limited-edition gold coin, struck on May 8 2025, will be priced at £1,725.