Royal Mint launches new 50p coin celebrating 200th anniversary of the RNLI
The Royal Mint has launched a 50p coin to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI.
The coin, designed by artist John Bergdahl, features the RNLI ((Royal National Lifeboat Institution) flag and a life ring. Each of the 238 RNLI Lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland will receive their own commemorative coin. A portion of the sales from each coin will go towards supporting the charity's work, with 5% from brilliant uncirculated and silver proof 50p coins, and 3% from gold proof 50p coins.
The design process combined traditional engraving techniques with modern minting technology, and included matching the colour on some coins to the distinctive orange of the RNLI's lifeboats. Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: "We are honoured to be a part of the RNLI's bicentenary celebrations, by marking the charity's historic anniversary on an official UK 50p."
She added: "Since its formation 200 years ago, the RNLI has served a pivotal role in keeping people safe on our coastlines as well as saving hundreds of thousands lives at sea. Everyone at the Royal Mint has a huge amount of appreciation towards the RNLI, with many of us having our own personal connection to the charity.
"We are proud to confirm that a percentage of the profits from the sale of each coin will also go directly to the RNLI in support of the courageous work and commitment of the charity." Angela Rook, RNLI 200th anniversary lead, stated: "The RNLI has been saving lives for 200 years thanks to the ongoing dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters.
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"In 2024 we are remembering our remarkable history, celebrating the modern lifesaving service we provide today, and looking forward to inspiring and welcoming a new generation of lifesavers and supporters. This coin serves as a wonderful commemorative keepsake to mark this very special milestone in the charity's history, and reminder of our ultimate aim as it has been for the past two centuries to save lives at sea."
Steve Porter, a volunteer at Poole RNLI in Dorset, expressed: "I'm proud to be a volunteer with the RNLI in its 200th anniversary year and to share the celebration of this milestone with all the dedicated crews saving lives at sea across the UK and Ireland. It's a special year for us to commemorate and we appreciate the Royal Mint's recognition and kind donation of coins to all our stations."
It was revealed towards the end of 2023 that the Royal Mint would release a 50p coin to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. The commemorative coin was among a new set of designs celebrating significant events and anniversaries in 2024. The coins can be purchased from the Royal Mint's website, the costs vary from £12 for an immaculate uncirculated coin, £21 for a coloured version, up to an eye watering £1,220 for a gold one.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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