Posts by Aaron Wickings
Britain’s Forgotten Victory Celebration: A Story Worth Remembering
When people think of the end of the Second World War, one image usually comes to mind.
Crowds filling The Mall. Strangers embracing in the streets. Union Flags waving from every window. King George VI and Winston Churchill appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. And, of course, the image of Princess Elizabeth celebrating anonymously among the crowds.
These scenes from VE Day on 8th May 1945 have become part of Britain’s national memory.
But there was another extraordinary day – one that is often overlooked despite being one of the largest and most significant military events ever staged in Britain.
On 8th June 1946, more than a year after Victory in Europe was declared, London hosted the Victory Parade.
It wasn’t simply another celebration.
It was Britain’s opportunity to formally thank the generation that had fought the Second World War.
The Victory Parade was unlike anything the country had ever witnessed.
More than 30,000 servicemen and women marched through the streets of London.
Representatives came not only from Britain but from across the Commonwealth and Allied nations whose combined efforts had secured victory.
The route passed through the heart of the capital, where enormous crowds lined the streets from the early hours of the morning.
Contemporary reports estimated that hundreds of thousands gathered to watch in person, while millions more followed newspaper coverage, radio broadcasts and newsreel footage shown in cinemas across Britain.
Watching from the royal dais were King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, Prime Minister Clement Attlee and senior military leaders.
Capturing the spirit of the day were the words of King George VI, taken from his message to Britain’s schoolchildren during the Victory celebrations:
“TODAY, AS WE CELEBRATE VICTORY”
King George VI
For many spectators, this was the first opportunity to thank those who had served.
For many of those marching, it marked the end of years of sacrifice, hardship and uncertainty.
Yet the parade was about far more than those who returned home.
Every regiment marching through London represented friends who never came back. Every cheer from the crowds carried memories of loved ones who had made the ultimate sacrifice. The celebrations recognised not only victory, but the immense cost at which it had been achieved.
It was a day filled with pride, relief and remembrance all at once.
80 Years On
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the 1946 Victory Parade, a milestone that offers an opportunity to reflect on one of the most important yet often overlooked moments in Britain’s post-war history.
As the number of veterans who witnessed those celebrations continues to diminish, anniversaries such as this play an increasingly important role in ensuring their stories, and the significance of that remarkable day, are never forgotten.
Despite the importance of the 1946 Victory Parade, it has never before been commemorated on a British Isles coin.
To mark its 80th Anniversary, a new Silver Proof £5 Coin has been issued featuring King George VI saluting the servicemen and women who marched through London that historic day.
If you’d like to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of this remarkable moment in British history, you can discover more about the limited-edition Victory Parade Silver Proof £5 Coin by clicking the link below.
JUST RELEASED: The 2025 The Snowman™ 50p — The UK’s Most Magical Christmas Tradition Continues!
Every Christmas, a familiar and much-loved figure returns to warm our hearts — The Snowman™.
And this year, he’s back once again to bring festive cheer to coin collectors across the country with the official 2025 The Snowman™ 50p coin from The Royal Mint.
Now in its eighth year, this enchanting series has become one of the most collected and anticipated annual 50p releases — and for many, it simply wouldn’t be Christmas without it!
???? A Heartwarming New Design for 2025
The 2025 The Snowman™ 50p features an all-new design by award-winning illustrator Robin Shaw, the creative director behind The Snowman and The Snowdog.
This year’s coin beautifully captures a joyful festive scene as James and The Snowman decorate the Christmas tree with twinkling lights — a moment that perfectly captures the magic, nostalgia, and excitement of the season.
Each coin has been officially struck by The Royal Mint and is available in a range of highly collectible editions, from Brilliant Uncirculated to Silver Proof and Gold Proof.
???? A Modern Collecting Classic
Since the very first release in 2018, The Snowman 50p series has become a modern classic in UK coin collecting.
Every edition has celebrated a special moment from Raymond Briggs’ timeless tale — from the pair’s magical flight through the night sky to their joyful snowy adventures — and each new release has proven to be a must-have for collectors.
Previous issues have sold out within days, with early editions now highly sought after on the secondary market.
That’s why many collectors won’t wait a moment longer to secure this year’s coin.
???? The Snowman™ 50p Collection So Far
Each release tells a new chapter in the story of The Snowman™ — and together, they form one of the most heartwarming collections ever issued by The Royal Mint.
❄️ A Festive Tradition Like No Other
First published in 1978 by the late Raymond Briggs CBE, The Snowman remains one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time.
The animated film adaptation, first broadcast in 1982, has been shown on TV every Christmas since — and The Snowman 50p coins have become the perfect way for collectors to celebrate that enduring magic.
???? Secure Your 2025 The Snowman™ 50p Today
Whether you’re continuing your collection or joining the tradition for the first time, this year’s release is a must-have for your Christmas collection.
With strict edition limits and a proven track record of sell-outs, early demand is expected to be extremely high.
Don’t miss your chance to own the 2025 The Snowman™ 50p — a coin that captures the true spirit of Christmas.
???? Click here to secure yours now and make this festive season one to remember.
Could the 2025 UK Zog 50p be RARER than the sell-out Gruffalo 50p?
For the very first time, the loveable, accident-prone dragon Zog has been celebrated on a UK 50p coin, marking 15 magical years since the much-loved children’s book was first published.
Explore the 2025 UK Zog 50p Range >>
Zog turns 15
Since Zog first burst onto the scene in 2010, he’s captured imaginations around the world. Written by Julia Donaldson, former UK Children’s Laureate, and brought to life with Axel Scheffler’s iconic illustrations, the tale of perseverance, friendship (and a few fiery mishaps!) has become a bedtime favourite.
Over 4.5 million copies of Zog have been sold globally, and its timeless charm continues to delight both children and adults.
The FIRST ever Zog coin
To mark 15 year of the much loved story, Zog is taking centre stage on a UK 50p for the very first time.
The coin’s reverse has been beautifully designed by Emma Noble, who has expertly captured the moment Zog learns to fly, taking inspiration straight from the pages of the beloved story.
Now here’s where it gets really exciting, and why you’ll need need to act fast if you want to get your hands on one…
Tiny edition limits
Two of the most sought-after versions of the Zog 50p have been issued with incredibly small edition limits, making it even rarer than the sell-out 2019 Gruffalo 50p!
Just 3,500 Silver Proof Zog 50ps are available and the Gold Proof 1/40oz has an edition limit of just 1,000.
The 2019 Gruffalo 50p, 2019 Gruffalo and Mouse 50p and the 2024 Gruffalo’s Child 50p all had Silver Proof edition limits of 25,000, and all sold out within just hours of release! So to put this into perspective, the Zog Silver Proof 50p has an edition limit SEVEN TIMES smaller that previous sell-out Julia Donaldson coins!
And the Gold Proof 1/40oz? Well, with just 1,000 available, it’s one of the most limited gold 50p releases we’ve ever seen.
Don’t miss out on securing your Zog 50p
With such tiny edition limits, and the huge popularity of Julia Donaldson’s coins, don’t miss out on your chance to secure your Zog 50p.
