In the Netherlands Liberation Day is celebrated on May 5th. In many other countries Victory in Europe Day, generally known as VE Day (United Kingdom) or V-E Day (North America), is celebrated on 8 May: the letter “V” for “Victory” is therefore often depicted on foreign commemorative coins. On this day Germany formally capitulated. Outside of Europe the Second World War lasted a while longer. The surrender of Japan on 2 September 1945 led to the official end of WWII.
Exclusive Collaboration with Royal Leerdam Crystal
In collaboration with Royal Leerdam Crystal a beautiful coin holder to commemorate 75 years of freedom and to display the coins has been designed. The coin holder is made out of oak in which the coins can be nicely presented, combined with a glass commemorative panel attached to the wooden base. The glass with the beautiful image in the sign of 75 years of freedom was developed by the design department of Royal Leerdam Crystal.
Since 1878 beautiful art and decorative objects are designed in the Crystal factory in Leerdam. All according to old traditions, but also following modern designs. The master glassblowers of Royal Leerdam guarantee exceptional quality.
The Netherlands
The “75 years of freedom Five Euro Coin” is the official commemorative coin of the Netherlands, commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Finance. The coin is designed by Dutch artist Marijke van Warmerdam. Both the number “75” on the reverse and the portrait of the King on the obverse are made out of a jaunty ribbon to depict the festivities of Liberation Day. The Dutch Silver commemorative coin is already sold out and only available in the Special set: Europe Remembers!
Canada
Inspired by the 1945 Victory nickel, a large “V” for Victory dominates the reverse design by artist Pandora Young. The crowd represents jubilation on the home front on May 8, 1945, a day when Canadians poured into streets and public places to celebrate Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. The spontaneous celebration gradually fades behind the “V” to become a scene of remembrance, with three silhouettes representing the different branches (navy, army and air force) of the Canadian and British Armed Forces in which Canadians and Newfoundlanders served. The obverse features the effigy of King George VI by T. H. Paget and a Victory privy mark.
United Kingdom
The Silver British Pound is minted by the Royal Mint. The reverse is designed by Dominique Evans who was inspired by her grandmother. She told her lively stories about her time as a young girl during the war. At the heart of the coin he has placed people, with rays that echo the anti-aircraft searchlights. Here they become rays of hope. The obverse of the coin was designed by Jody Clark and depicts the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the inscription “ELIZABETH II . D . G. REG . F. D . 1 POUND”.
Visit the Royal Dutch Mint’s website to find out more about the coins.
CoinsWeekly also reported about the ceremonial First Strike of the 75 Years of Freedom 5 euro coin. Since no audience could be present due to the coronavirus, the Royal Dutch Mint broadcast a livestream for the event.
Another issue on the subject of World War II was issued by the Netherlands 2019: a 5 euro coin dedicated to Operation Market Garden.
And a Canadian circulation coin of 2019 was dedicated to the Canadians who fought at D-Day.