New coin unveiled to mark 80 years since VE Day

A new 50p coin design has been released to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two.

The coin features a special design and inscription featuring a dove of peace,

The inscription will read "in peace goodwill", the same inscription that was seen on the 1995 commemorative £2 coin.

Two veterans from Swansea were among the first people invited to strike (print the design on) the coin.

Vetrans Ron Horsey, 98, and Richard Pelzer, 101, served with the Royal Engineers.

They described the experience of printing the inscription on the coin as deeply meaningful.

Mr Horsey said "To be able to strike this design representing peace on to a coin all these years later is truly moving.

"I hope this coin reminds people of the freedom we enjoy today and the cost at which it came."

The Royal Mint, which is responsible for making UK coins, has a tradition of creating coins for events in history.

Some examples including, the Red Arrows 50p, the Olympics, and 100 years of the BBC.

This special coin is available from Thursday 1 May, and a special gold version will be struck on 8 May, the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, said: "The VE Day coin pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the generation who secured peace in Europe in May 1945."