Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 80th Anniversary of D-Day
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 80th Anniversary of D-Day
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 80th Anniversary of D-Day, Box with a certificate of authenticity
  • 50 Pence 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, 80th Anniversary of D-Day, 2 coin set with 1944 George VI Florin
Description

The Normandy landings, part of Operation Overlord during World War II, took place on Tuesday, 6 June 1944. Codenamed Operation Neptune and commonly known as D-Day, this was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation initiated the liberation of German-occupied France (and subsequently Europe) from Nazi control, setting the stage for the Allied victory on the Western Front.

Supported by over 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft, the D-Day invasion secured a foothold in Normandy by the end of June 6. The cost was high, with over 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded, but the successful landing allowed more than 100,000 soldiers to begin their march across Europe to defeat Hitler.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•50 PENCE•2024 •
MJ

Reverse

Depicts Allied soldiers disembarking from assault boats and advancing onto the shore, with the words "D-DAY 6 JUNE 1944" above and "UTAH OMAHA GOLD JUNO SWORD" below. The engraver's initials on the middle left.

On that historic day in 1944, Allied troops landed on five beaches in northern France, designated by the codenames Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. These landings were a crucial turning point, signaling the beginning of the effort to liberate north-west Europe from Nazi control.

Engraver: David Lawrence (DL)

D-DAY 6 JUNE 1944
D•L
UTAH OMAHA GOLD JUNO SWORD

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 8 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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