1994 50 Pence

Introducing the D-Day Landings 50p Coin

In 1994, to honour the 50^th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, the Royal Mint released the D-Day Landings 50p. On 6 June 1944, the Allied forces initiated Operation Overlord, the code name for the Invasion of Normandy. Laying the foundations for the eventual Allied victory on the Western Front, D-Day is the largest amphibious invasion in history. The term D-Day is actually military shorthand to refer to the first day of an attack.  The entire operation, commanded by General Dwight Eisenhower, lasted from June 1944 to August 1944. Over 150,000 Canadian, American, and British soldiers were involved. It required about a year of planning and deception in order to mislead the Germans about where the Allies were planning to attack. 

D-Day Landings 1994 50p 

The D-Day Landings 50p design celebrates the 7,000 ships and 14,000 aircraft that came together to win the operation. At the bottom of the reverse side are the landing craft carrying troops and supplies to Normandy while above the horizon are the planes that provided air cover and support. The reverse side was designed by sculptor John Mills. The obverse side features the third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael David Maklouf. 

(Caption: Into the Jaws of Death by Chief Photographer’s Mate (CPHoM) Robert F. Sargent)

How Much is the D-Day Landings 50p Worth?

This 1994 50p will not be found your change anymore because, since 1998, the larger-size 50p coins were demoneitised and removed from circulation. The total base metal circulation mintage is 6,705,500. For a circulated coin, the highest price paid on eBay as of May 2019 is £11.00. However, for a Brilliant Uncirculated coin (mintage of 178,000), the price is twice the amount. Although this coin was still in its original presentation pack. 

Other Versions of the D-Day Landings 50p Coin

If you’re interested in getting this coin as a truly unique gift or want a special version for yourself, the Royal Mint also released a Silver Proof (mintage 40,000) and Gold Proof (mintage of about 2,000). 

Other D-Day Coins

The Royal Mint has also commemorated the Invasion of Normandy with other anniversary coins. For the 70^th anniversary in 2014, they issued a special 5 pound Alderney crown. And for the 75^th anniversary in 2019, the Royal Mint released a commemorative 2-pound coin.