Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2020, Sp# K59, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 75th Anniversary of WWII Victory
  • 2 Pounds 2020, Sp# K59, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 75th Anniversary of WWII Victory
  • 2 Pounds 2020, Sp# K59, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 75th Anniversary of WWII Victory, Fold-out packaging
Description

One of the most important days in both British and European history, VE Day (Victory in Europe), celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2020.

Victory in Europe Day, generally known as V-E Day, VE Day or simply V Day, was the public holiday celebrated on 8 May 1945 to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces. It thus marked the end of World War II in Europe.

The term VE Day existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of victory. On 30 April 1945, Adolf Hitler, the Nazi leader, committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin. Germany's surrender, therefore, was authorised by his successor, Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz. The administration headed by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg Government. The act of military surrender was signed on 7 May in Reims, France and on 8 May in Berlin, Germany.

The former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries have historically celebrated the end of World War II on 9 May.

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 jewelry 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·D·G·REG·F·D·2 POUNDS·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts a woman holding a newspaper aloft in a crowd of people appearing to smile and cheer and is emblazoned with the word “victory” with rays that echo the anti-aircraft searchlights. Street parties and celebrations erupted after news of Germany’s surrender on 8 May 1945.

Engraver: Dominique Evans

1945-2020
VE-DAY
IT'S OVER
IN EUROPE
VICTORY
VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY
DME

Edge

The Kings Speech - King George VI Broadcast on May 8th 1945, Victory in Europe (VE) Day: To that, then, let us turn our thoughts to this day of just triumph and proud sorrow, and then take up our work again, resolved as a people to do nothing unworthy of those who died for us, and to make the world such a world as they would have desired for their children and for ours.

JUST TRIUMPH AND PROUD SORROW

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Cupronickel
Center Nickel Brass
Weight 12 g
Diameter 28.4 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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