Tuesday, April 7, 2015

VE Day Platinum Proof Coin released by Royal Mint

Today, the Royal Mint has released The 70th Anniversary of VE Day Alderney £5 Platinum Proof Coin to mark 70 years of VE Day celebrations in Britain at the end of WW2 on 8th May 1945. The coin design will only be struck in Platinum with only 70 pieces will be struck in more than 94 grammes of platinum.

VE Day

This extra special £5 coin, struck for Alderney, stunning reverse design by designer Lee R. Jones’ will appeal to history enthusiasts and collectors alike. Struck to pristine Proof standard, its euphoric reverse design perfectly captures the eruption of joyous relief as Britain’s freedom was finally secured from the tyranny that threatened to engulf her. On the coin’s obverse is the portrait of The Queen, who witnessed the tragic events of the war, and the relief of the nation as it ended, as a young princess. Pay tribute and reflect on this poignant anniversary with a coin worthy of the occasion.

After six long, hard years of sacrifice for the British people, war in Europe finally ended in the spring of 1945. On 7 May, German General Alfred Jodl signed the unconditional surrender that formally brought an end to hostilities. An official announcement by the Ministry of Information later that day confirmed the news and the celebrations began in earnest.

“In accordance with arrangements between the three great powers, tomorrow, Tuesday, will be treated as Victory in Europe Day and regarded as a holiday.”

People poured onto the streets in their thousands, determined to celebrate in style, a nation tested to the very limit, but with its spirit unbowed. In London, crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and along the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace in a riotous outpouring of relief that war was finally over. The following day, street parties took place as people everywhere shared in the joy. This commemorative coin captures that moment of relief and rejoicing to be enjoyed once more.

Technical Specifications:
Denomination: £5
Maximum Coin Mintage: 70
Alloy: Platinum 09995
Weight: 94.20 g
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Reverse Designer: Lee R Jones
Obverse Designer: Ina Rank-Broadley FRBS
Quality: Proof
Release Price: £5000

For more information about The VE Day 70th Anniversary Alderney £5 Platinum Proof Coin, you can visit Royal Mint website www.royalmint.com.