Struck to commemorate The 50th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, which took place on June 6, 1944, was the largest amphibious military assault in history. The coin serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the Allied forces who participated in the invasion.

Designed by sculptor John Mills, it depicts a dramatic scene on the reverse side - an armada of ships and airplanes heading towards Normandy, representing the Allied invasion force.

This was the last commemorative 50p coin to be the larger size (30mm diameter) before they were reduced in 1997.