A new commemorative 50p coin marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in the UK has been released by the Royal Mint.
Designed by artist Valda Jackson, the coin depicts two Black people standing against a backdrop of the Union Flag. The coin pays tribute to the British Caribbean and Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK from 1948-1973.
Jamaica-born Ms Jackson, whose parents came from Jamaica in the 60s, said it honours "our parents and their legacy".
Ms Jackson, who originates from St Thomas, moved to England in 1964. Her parents were among the generation of people invited to leave their home in the Caribbean to come to work in, and rebuild, Britain. She later joined them at the age of five.
"The image on the coin is one of unity representing the bond between the UK and Commonwealth citizens who have helped rebuild the country in its time of need," she said.
"It honours our parents and their legacy, and celebrates our presence, achievements, and contributions that continue to enrich our society." She went on to say that she is proud of the contributions that her parents made in rebuilding the UK after World War Two.
The Windrush Generation refers to people who arrived in the UK from Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1971, after Britain’s immigration laws changed. Although not all of that generation’s migrants arrived on HMT Empire Windrush itself, the ship became a symbol of the wider mass-migration movement.
Many of those who arrived in the UK had served in the British armed forces in World War Two, with the Windrush first docking in Tilbury, in Essex, on 22 June 1948. This year marks the 75th anniversary of its arrival.
Director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, Rebecca Morgan, said: "We're honoured to be marking the 75th anniversary since the Windrush generation arrived in the UK."
“The coin went through a rigorous process. It's decided which anniversaries are suitable for British coinage and once it's passed that process, we then go to the Chancellor and only then does it finally go up to the King for his approval."
There are three coins available, all of which are now on sale - ahead of tomorrow's anniversary. Two are limited edition in gold and silver; whilst the other is a standard metal coin, much like the legal tender 50p piece.
