Description
Eighty years ago, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious attack in history. On 6th June 1944, known forever as ‘D-Day’, allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to establish a foothold in Western Europe and push back the German forces that had occupied it. This massive operation led to the liberation of Western Europe and, ultimately, to the end of the war
Now, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a new series of coins has been produced with a world first design, featuring both Britannia and Liberty together on the same gold sovereigns for the very first time. Not only that, but one of the coins in the series, the one-eighth sovereign, has been minted at the Royal Dutch Mint, making it the first of its kind ever minted in mainland Europe. It is a sovereign coin, not a Dutch ‘euro’ coin, but it features two special mintmarks to show its mint of origin. These gold sovereigns offers a unique tribute to one of the most significant moments in World War Two.
Here’s a brief snapshot of the benefits of this range:
- Commemorative gold sovereign coins for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which led to the liberation of Western Europe and the end of World War Two.
- This is the first time that Britannia and Liberty appear together on sovereign coins. Symbols of freedom in Britain and around the world, they also represent two of the Allied nations that fought together on D-Day.
- One of the coins in this series, the one-eighth sovereign, has been minted in mainland Europe for the very first time. Struck at the Royal Dutch Mint in the Netherlands, one of the nations that was liberated in the months following D-Day, it features two special mintmarks.
Britannia and Liberty, symbols of freedom, appear together for the first time on gold sovereign coins
The incredible courage and commitment shown by Allied troops on D-Day will be forever etched in the history books. As these events slip from living memory, the coins in this 80th anniversary set form a permanent tribute to those who fought for liberty in Europe.
These exceptional coins feature Britannia, trident in hand, and Liberty, clasping an olive branch, advancing eastwards. These are the first gold sovereigns ever to feature both these personifications of freedom together on one coin. In the background is a coastal motif and on the horizon stands a lighthouse, modelled on that found at Ouistreham, at the eastern side of Sword Beach. Daylight rays expand out from the horizon, symbolising a new dawn and the forthcoming liberation of Europe after D-Day.
Eighty years on from one of the pivotal moments in World War Two, these new gold sovereigns with their world-first design are an exceptional tribute to D-Day, and are likely to be keenly sought by collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
The first sovereign coin ever minted in mainland Europe, featuring two special mintmarks of the Dutch Royal Mint !
Gold sovereign coins have never been minted in mainland Europe before. Now, a unique co-operation for the 80th anniversary of D-Day means that the one-eighth sovereign in this series has been minted at the Royal Dutch Mint, in one of the very nations later liberated!
If you look closely between Britannia and Liberty you will see two special mintmarks: the caduceus (staff of Mercury) of the Royal Dutch Mint, and the raven, the mark of the current mintmaster. These two marks assure you the one-eighth sovereign was minted at the Royal Dutch Mint as part of this special D-Day anniversary celebration: the very first sovereign coins ever minted in mainland Europe!
The caduceus has been the mark of the Royal Dutch Mint since 1816. Otherwise known as the Staff of Mercury, it features two snakes entwined around a staff topped with wings, representing Mercury, the Roman god of merchants and trades – hence its association with the mint. The privy mark of Bert van Ravenswaaij, current mintmaster at the Dutch Royal Mint, is the raven.
Authorised by Tristan Da Cunha and approved by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Buckingham Palace, it is a wonderful tribute – the first time that Britannia and Liberty appear together on sovereign coins.
The sale of every coin will benefit SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Airmen and Families Association, known as SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides support for our Forces and their families in their time of need.
All coins purchased from the 2024 D-Day 80th Anniversary Gold Sovereign Series will support SSAFA as it continues to provide welfare and well-being assistance to our forces and their families. 10% of all net profits will be paid in support of SSAFA
