New coin marking 80 years since D-Day landings unveiled by Royal Mint

THE design of a newly minted 50p coin marking 80 years since the D-Day landings on June 6 is etched on to the invasion’s Gold Beach.

Sand artist Jehan-Benjamin Tarain took 5½ hours to create the 115ft work in Normandy, France.

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Rebecca Morgan, at the Royal Mint, said: "Coins have long served as reminders of pivotal moments in history.

"We are proud to unveil this tribute to the courage and resilience of British and Allied troops eight decades ago, which will serve as a permanent reminder of their sacrifices and bravery."

David Fenton, at Imperial War Museums, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the Royal Mint's D-Day 50p coin to mark the anniversary.

"D-Day was the largest combined naval, air and land operation in the history of warfare.

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"This coin is a poignant reminder of those who fought so bravely and sacrificed so much during this intrepid mission."

Mr Tarain said: "This project has been extremely special.";

He added: "My team and I feel very fortunate to have played a role in helping to translate the craftmanship seen in the design of this coin into a piece of sand art on one of the beaches where troops landed.

"This collaboration plays an important reminder of the united allied effort between French and British forces 80 years ago."

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