Soldier 2006 50p

Introducing the Victoria Cross Soldier 2006 50p

The highest award achievable in the British honours system, the Victoria Cross is given to soldiers that demonstrated exceptional bravery in war. This most prestigious award can be given to any person in any military service and of any military rank. First suggested in 1855, by the Duke of Newcastle, the Secretary of State of War, Queen Victoria signed the Royal Warrant for it in January 1856. First given by Queen Victoria for the acts of courage in the Crimean War, only 15 medals have been awarded to British soldiers since World War II. 

2006 Victoria Cross Wounded Soldier 50p

The design for the Victoria Cross Soldier 50p is by Clive Duncan and shows a soldier bravely carrying his injured colleague within the outline of the Victoria Cross. This actually was not the first design of the Solider 50p. Originally, the design seemed to portray a soldier about to be shot in the back. The Chancellor the Exchequer at the time, Gordon Brown, ordered the coin to be redesigned since the original would not be appropriate for much of the public.

Also known as the ‘Victoria Cross Heroic Acts’ coin, this is one of two designs struck by the Royal Mint in 2006 for the 150^th anniversary of the award. The other features details of the award itself.

(Caption: The Victoria Cross Award)

How Much is the Victoria Cross Soldier 50p Coin Worth?

The Soldier 50p has a mintage of 10 million, a commonly found coin. The highest price on eBay, as of 2019, was £3.50 for a circulation coin. 

Other Versions of the Wounded Soldier Coin

The coin as also been minted in Gold Proof (1,000 mintage), Silver Proof (7,500 mintage), Silver Proof Piedfort (5,000 mintage), and Brilliant Uncirculated. 

It was also reissued in 2009 for the 40^th anniversary of the 50p. It’s also been suspected that it will make a return in 2019 as part of the line of coins to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the 50p.