75 years of Windrush generation to be commemorated on 50p coin
The Windrush generation is set to be commemorated on 50p coins, as part of the new range of coins issued for King Charles III.
The coins are first commemorative set for 2023 to bear the King’s official coinage portrait.
The new 50p coin will celebrate 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury, in Essex, having arrived from Jamaica, bring many passengers who would come to settle in South London.
The ship has become symbolic of its passengers and their subsequent generations who have played a pivotal role in shaping the United Kingdom since the Second World War.
The coin features a design by the artist Valda Jackson, whose parents came to Britain from the Caribbean, which depicts two of the ship’s passengers set against a backdrop of the Union flag.
Other commemorations in this year’s range are the 75th Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III £5 coin, celebrating the Life and Work of JRR Tolkien £2 coin, the centenary of the Flying Scotsman £2 coin and 75 Years of the National Health Service 50p coin.
The unveiling of this collection of coins symbolises one of the biggest changes to UK coins since decimalisation.
Collectors will see UK coins begin their transition from Britain’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait, to King Charles III’s which will now appear on all UK coinage moving forward.
Rebecca Morgan, divisional director of the collector services at The Royal Mint said: “Each year The Royal Mint reveals a collection of coins, known as the Annual Set, which feature a range of designs that appear on £5, £2 and 50p coins marking some of the year’s most significant moments and anniversaries.
“This year is particularly special for The Royal Mint, as we unveil the first coins of 2023 bearing His Majesty King Charles III official coin portrait, which also includes a commemorative £5 coin to celebrate His Majesty’s 75th birthday.
“The Annual Set provides members of the public with an opportunity to collect the very first coins of 2023 with The King’s portrait and mark this historic transition in monarchy on coins.”
Pictured top: The 2023 commemorative coins (Picture: The Royal Mint)