The Royal Mint has released a new commemorative 50p coin in celebration of the Red Arrows, the display team of the Royal Air Force (RAF), 60 years after their first public air show in 1965.
Nigel Tudman’s design features three of the famous Red Arrows BAE Systems Hawk TI aircraft in flight, accompanied by the iconic color trails used in the team’s aerial displays. A selection of the coins have been crafted in color, bringing the speed and agility of the Red Arrows to numismatic life.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, more commonly known as the Red Arrows, represent the very best of the RAF. Since their first season in 1965, the Red Arrows have displayed almost 5,000 times and have stunned audiences in 57 different countries around the world.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said:
“The Red Arrows are a symbol of British aviation excellence in the UK and worldwide. We are proud to celebrate 60 years of their spectacular displays on an official collectable 50p coin. Crafted with The Red Arrows ethos of precision and quality in mind, the dedicated team at The Royal Mint have worked diligently to create a coin which represents the best of the Royal Air Force.”
Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and Red 1, said:
“Across 60 seasons, the Red Arrows have aimed to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with a world-class display of precision and teamwork. These new 50p coins, with our distinctive Hawk jets depicted brilliantly in close formation, are a wonderful celebration of the excitement, enjoyment and pride felt by millions of individuals, including the next generation of aviators, at airshows and events every year.”
The Red Arrows commemorative 50p coin will be available to purchase from The Royal Mint website from Thursday, February 6, 2025, with prices starting from £12 (about $15).
From April 6, visitors to the Royal Mint Experience will have an opportunity to strike their own Red Arrows 50p coin.
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