“This is your victory,” declared Winston Churchill, paying tribute to the British people who had remained unbowed by the bombings and blackouts. VE Day remains in the memory of all who witnessed it. 75 years on, we thank the generation who gave so much and honour their spirit and sacrifice.
Victory in Europe Day – more commonly known as VE Day in the UK – is celebrated across Europe and America as the official end of the Second World War.
Following the Allies’ acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, 8 May 1945 saw the beginning of the end of the Second World War, the terrible conflict that had claimed the lives of millions and reshaped the future of countries and continents.
In 2020, a brand new 2020 VE Day £2 coin has been issued by The Royal Mint, to commemorate 75 years since VE Day, as we remember the first hopeful steps towards lasting peace and the promise of a brighter future.
The story of VE Day, a key moment in the lives of millions of people, is told through a £2 coin design by Royal Mint graphic designer Dominique Evans.
“My Nan very much inspired the design for this coin – bringing to life her stories of this time when she was a young girl in London, sent to Bournemouth during the war. She can so vividly recount the emotion and colour of VE Day and how the news swept through our family, neighbours, towns and cities. I have placed people at the very heart of this coin, with rays that echo the anti-aircraft searchlights – so familiar in the war-torn skies. Here they become rays of hope on the evening of VE Day, behind the façade of St Paul’s Cathedral.”
About the £2 Coin
This stunning coin features the reverse design by Dominique Evans, depicting a woman holding a newspaper aloft in a crowd of celebrating people, set against a backdrop of the word VICTORY, with the engraving ‘Victory in Europe’.
The coin shows rays of sunshine emanating from the crowd as a sense of hope and relief that the war was over. The word "VICTORY" is in the background with the dates 1945 - 2020 appear at the top, with "VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY" at the bottom.
The obverse shows the fifth portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by designer Jody Clark.
The edge inscription reads 'JUST TRIUMPH AND PROUD SORROW'
A thought provoking coin of an historic event. Grab yours today