Royal Mint release VE Day commemorative £2 coin to mark the 75th anniversary of victory in Europe

THE Royal Mint has unveiled a commemorative £2 coin to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

It features smiling faces and the word “Victory” and comes in a range of colours.

Royal Mint plans to release the new coin into circulation if there is enough demand.

The coin, which was made in association with Imperial War Museum, was designed to “capture the spirit and stoicism of the wartime generation and the gratitude of those that followed”.

The designer Dominique Evans said: “Iconic images of VE Day serve to remind us of the magnitude of events.

“Millions came together in the streets to celebrate the end of the war in Europe, inspiring me to put people at the very heart of this coin.

“The rays evoke search lights, a familiar sight in the skies during wartime, except here they represent rays of hope.

“VE Day is still a piece of living history. I hope the coin enables people to capture the poignancy of this landmark anniversary, one remembered by those who were there and celebrated by the generations that followed.”

Royal Mint’s divisional director of commemorative coins Clare Maclennan said she was hopeful that the new coin would unite Britain during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “Our VE Day commemorative coin was inspired by a shared sense of community and loyalty

“During these challenging times that the nation finds itself in, we may be unable to join with our loved ones to mark this national milestone, but it feels especially important that we come together to protect the older generation that sacrificed so much for us.”

For each coin purchased, a donation will me made to Imperial War Museums.

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