The Royal Mint has launched a brand new 50p commemorative coin celebrating 200 years of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).

All 238 RNLI Lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland will be presented with their own commemorative 50p coin by the Royal Mint to create a ring of safety.

A percentage of the price of each coin sold by the Royal Mint will be donated in support of the charity’s work and commitment.

The percentages will be 5% for brilliant uncirculated and silver proof 50p coins and 3% for gold proof 50p coins.

Royal Mint to launch special 50p coins to mark RNLI anniversary 

The new design has been created by artist John Bergdahl and features a design paying tribute to the charity’s lifesaving work with the RNLI flag, surrounded by a life ring.

Bournemouth Echo: The coin was designed by John Bergdahl.The coin was designed by John Bergdahl. (Image: PA)

Combining traditional engraving techniques with modern minting technology, Royal Mint product designer Daniel Thorne ensured the original design, created on a plaster model, was translated accurately onto coins.

Thomas Olawuyi in the Royal Mint’s design team ensured that the colour appearing on a selection of the 50p coins matched the shade of orange which is synonymous with the RNLI and its lifeboats.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: "We are honoured to be a part of the RNLI’s bicentenary celebrations, by marking the charity’s historic anniversary on an official UK 50p."

Adding: "Everyone at the Royal Mint has a huge amount of appreciation towards the RNLI, with many of us having our own personal connection to the charity.

"We are proud to confirm that a percentage of the profits from the sale of each coin will also go directly to the RNLI in support of the courageous work and commitment of the charity."

Bournemouth Echo: The new coin will mark 200 years of the RNLI.The new coin will mark 200 years of the RNLI. (Image: PA)

Angela Rook, RNLI 200th anniversary lead, said: "The RNLI has been saving lives for 200 years thanks to the ongoing dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters.

"In 2024 we are remembering our remarkable history, celebrating the modern lifesaving service we provide today, and looking forward to inspiring and welcoming a new generation of lifesavers and supporters.

"This coin serves as a wonderful commemorative keepsake to mark this very special milestone in the charity’s history, and reminder of our ultimate aim – as it has been for the past two centuries – to save lives at sea."

Steve Porter, volunteer crewmember at Poole RNLI in Dorset, said: "I’m proud to be a volunteer with the RNLI in its 200th anniversary year and to share the celebration of this milestone with all the dedicated crews saving lives at sea across the UK and Ireland.

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"It’s a special year for us to commemorate and we appreciate the Royal Mint’s recognition and kind donation of coins to all our stations."

How to get new RNLI 50p coin

The 50p coin marking the 200th anniversary of the RNLI was first unveiled by the Royal Mint at the end of 2023 when a set of new commemorative coin designs marking 2024’s most significant anniversaries and milestones was announced.

People can buy the coins from the Royal Mint’s website, with prices ranging from £12 for a brilliant uncirculated coin and £21 for a colour version to £1,220 for a gold coin.