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A new coin marking the anniversary of the end of the Second World War is being launched by The Royal Mint.
In collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, the commemorative £5 coin was inspired by stone inscriptions on war memorials and features the words “war” and “peace”.
This year marks the 75th anniversary since the war, which raged for six years, claimed millions of lives and brought suffering to entire populations, ended.
The Royal Mint says the new coin acknowledges the pivotal events which took place throughout 1945 and the contribution of Allied soldiers including continued fighting in the far east, the impact of the atomic bomb, and Victory in Japan.
Designers Matt Dent and Christian Davies said: “By taking our inspiration directly from the familiar hand-cut commemorations that are part of our collective memory, the effect is a common link transcending age and culture.
“Working closely with the product design team at The Royal Mint, we researched the method of chiselled lettering to create the digital clay model, whilst photographs of stone lend the real-life textures that give the natural ripples.
“Finally, we felt it was important to treat the characters in such a way that the word ‘peace’ dominates, conveying a sense that the horror of war has passed and a new era of peace has arrived.”
The coin will be available in limited-edition gold proof, silver proof and silver proof piedfort, as well as a brilliant uncirculated edition. The Royal Mint will also be marking the historic milestone by striking 750 sovereigns featuring Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the dragon design.
Clare Maclennan, divisional director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint said: “Following the launch of the VE Day commemorative coin, it only felt right to also mark the 75th anniversary since the End of the Second World War with a commemorative £5 – an anniversary that without a doubt can be considered as a national milestone.
“This commemorative coin not only preserves the legacy of this historical moment for future generations but also commemorates the sacrifices made around the world to restore peace.”
John Delaney, head of Second World War and mid-20th century at The Imperial War Museum said: “75 years ago, the Second World War, the most devastating conflict in modern global history, came to an end. The story of the Second World does not finish with what we know as VE Day on May 8, 1945.
“The world witnessed three more months of intense fighting and the annihilation of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by two atomic bombs before the conflict came to a close.
“This commemorative coin, produced by the Royal Mint in collaboration with Imperial War Museums, reminds us of that important period in our history, pays tribute to the sacrifices made by those who fought during this conflict and reminds us of the human cost of war.”
Once Japan had accepted unconditional surrender, Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced the news at midnight on August 14, declaring a two-day public holiday beginning with Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.
Up and down the country bonfires were lit and street parties held as people joined together in celebration.
