United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 50 Pence

History

50 Pence 1994, KM# 966, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 50th Anniversary of D-Day

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

In June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high - more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded but more than 100,000 soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler.

Obverse	Crown, jewelry Diamond Diadem Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem. The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith. From 1985 to 1991 the head of Queen Elizabeth II was a slightly smaller size. From 1993 to 1997 the head was a slightly larger size. The change over was made part way through 1992 so there are two versions in this year. 1997 has small varieties in design of the portrait. Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D·1994 RDM
Reverse	Aviation & astronautics Military aircraft Navy (ship, submarine etc.) Landing craft World War II D-Day Depicts an armada of ships and planes heading in one direction, together with the value. Engraver: John Mills 50 PENCE JM
Edge	Plain