United Kingdom. 80th Anniversary, VE-Day commemorated with New Gold and Silver Proof Coins

During the week beginning the 5th May, the United Kingdom and many other European nations will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with extended national celebrations. To mark this exceptional occasion, The Royal Mint welcomed two special guests to the floor of the Mint’s production facility in Llantrisant, South Wales. The two WWII-era veterans Ron Horsey, 98 and Richard Pelzer, 101 were also representing the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, a long-standing organisation that supports veterans through social events, trips to the continent for acts of commemoration and memorable experiences. The two honoured guests, who both served with the Royal Engineers, enjoyed a behind the scenes tour at the Mint’s manufacturing site. During their visit, they were also extended the honour of striking one of the first silver VE Day coins.

As Ron and Richard, both from Swansea, proudly showed off their own medals, Royal Mint employee Rhiannon Baldwin spoke to the gentlemen about the processes and precision that goes into making Military medals at The Royal Mint, showcasing some examples awarded to active-service personnel like the Military forces such as the Defence Medal and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. Some of the most prestigious military medals produced on-site include the George Cross, the civilian equivalent of the Victoria Cross and the Military Cross, made at The Royal Mint since its creation by King George V in 1914.

Following almost six years of hardship, adversity and uncertainty, Victory in Europe or, VE-Day was an historic spontaneous outpouring of joyful celebrations, tearful reflection and national pride. In 1995 and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the ‘dove of peace’ £2 coins design by the late John Mills were issued to mark that special national milestone. For 2025, the design has been updated to include the words IN PEACE GOODWILL placed above the primary design and taken from former Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s book series The Second World War. The obverse depicts an effigy of HM King Charles III, designed by acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings. The denomination 50 PENCE is part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness. 

On the 8th May 2025, the actual 80th anniversary of VE-Day, The Royal Mint will strike a total of 90 special ‘on the day’ gold Proof editions of the coin which feature an ‘80’ privy mark.

The BU Cupro-nickel coin version is housed in a blister-pak type folder with informative text and illustrations. Both versions of the sterling silver proof coins are presented in a custom black vinyl case and the gold proof coins are presented in a polished hardwood case – all are accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Mint.