Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H68, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H68, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H68, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Brilliant Uncirculated set
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H68, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Brilliant Uncirculated set
  • 50 Pence 2019, Sp# H68, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p, Military, 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Proof set
Description

The British decimal fifty pence (50p) coin – often pronounced fifty pee – is a unit of currency equaling one half of a pound sterling. Over the years, the coin has celebrated every aspect of British culture, including the stories behind the people and institutions that put the great into Great Britain. As the nation’s most collectable coin reaches a milestone moment, 50 years in circulation, The Royal Mint presented a special commemorative set to mark this momentous occasion.

From the Battle of Hastings to D-Day, epic battles have altered history’s path. Over the last 50 years, the 50p has been chosen to commemorate some of the most pivotal moments in military history, defining moments that every child still learns about in school.

This set brings together all five military-themed designs that have graced the coin: the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, the 50th anniversary of D-Day, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and two coins commemorating the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Victoria Cross medal.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

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.

Engraver: Jody Clark

·ELIZABETH II·DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF·2019
J.C

Reverse

Airmen running to their planes with enemy aircraft overhead. Designer Gary Breeze's initials GB are located to the right of the plane on the right.

Gary Breeze has said that the inspiration behind the design was to remind people "of the selfless sacrifice of the Few. The airmen run away from us. They don't walk slowly to their fate, and we may never see them again.”

The Battle of Britain was a military campaign of the Second World War, when the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended the United Kingdom against the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) attacks from the end of June 1940. It is described as the first major campaign fought entirely by air forces. The British officially recognise its duration as from 10 July until 31 October 1940, which overlaps with the period of large-scale night attacks known as the Blitz, while German historians do not accept this subdivision and regard it as a campaign lasting from July 1940 to June 1941.

The Battle of Britain takes its name from a speech by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons on 18 June: "What General Weygand has called The Battle of France is over. The battle of Britain is about to begin."

THE
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
GB
1940

Edge

50 Pence

5th portrait

Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p
Military, 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Subscribe series
Sp# H68
Swap now (1 offer)
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 8 g
Diameter 27.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

5th portrait, Silver Proof Piedfort Coin, British Culture, 50 New Pence

Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p

Silver, 16 g, ⌀ 27.3 mm
5th portrait, Silver Proof Coin, British Culture, 50 New Pence

Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p

Silver, 8 g, ⌀ 27.3 mm
5th portrait, British Culture, 50 New Pence

Celebrating 50 Years of the 50p

Cupronickel, 8 g, ⌀ 27.3 mm