- Commemorative Coin for Windrush Arrival
- Symbol of Unity and Contributions
- Release and Variants of the Coin
The Royal Mint has issued a new commemorative 50p coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival in the United Kingdom.
The coin was designed by Valda Jackson and depicts two black individuals standing against an American flag background.
The coin honors British Caribbean and Commonwealth citizens who immigrated to the United Kingdom between 1948 and 1973.
Bristol resident Ms. Jackson said it honours “our parents and their legacy”.
Ms. Jackson was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica in 1964 before moving to England. Her parents were among the generation invited to abandon the Caribbean to work in the United Kingdom. She eventually joined them at age five.
The image on the coin is one of unity, representing the bond between UK and Commonwealth citizens who have helped rebuild the country during its time of need,” she said.
It celebrates our presence, achievements, and contributions that continue to enrich our society and honor our ancestors and their legacy.
Ms. Jackson is proud of her parents’ contributions to postwar UK reconstruction.
The Windrush generation refers to Caribbean immigrants who entered the United Kingdom between 1948 and 1971 when British immigration regulations changed.
HMT Empire Windrush symbolised mass migration, even though not all Windrush generation immigrants arrived aboard it. Many immigrants to the United Kingdom had served in the British armed forces during World War II.
The vessel first moored in Tilbury, Essex on June 22, 1948. This year signifies the 75th anniversary of its entrance into existence.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, stated, “It is an honor to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation’s arrival in the United Kingdom.”
She stated that the coin had undergone a “rigorous process.” “After determining which anniversaries are suitable for British coinage, we seek the Chancellor’s approval before submitting the proposal to the King for final approval.”
Three coins are available, and they all go on sale today in advance of Thursday’s anniversary. Two are limited edition gold and silver coins, while the third is a standard metal coin similar to the legal tender 50p coin.
