A new coin to mark the contributions that minority communities have made to the shared history of the UK enters circulation today. The new 2.5 million ‘Diversity Built Britain’ 50p coins have been created to recognise and celebrate Britain’s diverse history.
It also signals the Royal Mint and the Government’s intention to include a wider range of people on coins and notes in the future. The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, commissioned the coin earlier this year following discussion with the ‘We Too Built Britain’ campaign, which works for fair representation of minority communities’ contributions.
Commenting on the release Sunak stated: “I have seen first-hand the contribution made by ethnic minority communities to Britain’s history. That is why I backed the ‘We Too Built Britain’ campaign and requested that the Royal Mint introduced this coin to celebrate it. This coin, and the rest of the series, will act as a fitting tribute to the very profound impact ethnic minority communities have made on Britain. I am grateful to the Royal Mint for turning this around at record speed.”
FAIRER SOCIETY FOR ALL
Adding to his comments, Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, said: “Congratulations to Dominique Evans the designer of The Royal Mint’s new 50 pence coin – ‘Diversity Built Britain’. Her design is the first in a series of coins The Mint will be producing, celebrating those who have helped shape our national history and culture. This new coin echoes the government’s commitment to building a fairer society for all.”
The coin features a geodome, which represents a community of connection and strength, with each section working together to build something greater. It was designed by Dominique Evans, one of the UK’s foremost coin designers, who has previously designed coins to mark VE Day, the Sapphire Coronation and Jane Austen.
DIVERSITY BUILT BRITAIN
The coin was inspired by Evans’ own personal experience growing up as a mixed-race woman. “When designing this coin, I began by thinking about the people who inspire me and what diversity has meant in my life. I believe that no matter where you are born, we all belong under the same sky and this was the starting point of the design,” explained Evans. “The background of the coin features a geodome with a series of interconnecting lines and triangles that form a network. Each part is equal, and symbolises a community of connection and strength. The words ‘Diversity Built Britain’ talks about the differences between us, and the connection which gives us unity. The design also looks to the future, and the bonds which will continue to grow and make us stronger together.”
Zehra Zaidi, who leads the Banknotes of Colour campaign, added: “Ethnic minority people, as well as all under-represented groups, need to see themselves represented in British institutions. They need to see their contributions to Britain recognised. It is a part of an invisible social contract and it can build cohesion, promote a sense of belonging, inspire young people and unite us as a nation, showing that we all have an equal stake in society. We are a diverse, modern and global Britain – let’s show that. This coin helps bridge our nation’s past, its diverse present and its future, looking outward, positively, together.”
Alongside the release of the coins, the Royal Mint and the West India Committee will also issue education packs to primary schools in England and Wales, so children can learn about these achievements. The government confirmed that it will consult with stakeholders including ‘We Too Built Britain‘ and other groups representing minority communities on the themes of future coins in this series.
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