On Friday 16th October, the UK launched a new coin to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the ethnic minority communities to the socio-economic fabric of the UK.
Around 2.5 million coins will feature a geodome representing a community of connection and strength, with each section working together to build something greater, in recognition of the UK’s diverse heritage. The new 50p signals the intent of the Royal Mint and the Chancellor to include a wider range of people on coins and notes in the future. The Chancellor’s office previously reported that Mahatma Gandhi’s image is being considered by the Royal Mint on one of the coins with campaigners urging recognition of Indian-origin World War II British spy, Noor Inayat Khan.
Campaigner of the ‘We Too Built Britain’ and historian Zehra Zaidi said, "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".
Dominique Evans, who has previously designed coins to mark VE Day has designed the coin after being inspired by Ms Evans’ own personal experience growing up as a mixed-race woman. Chancellor of Ex-Chequer, commissioned the coin after discussions with the ‘We Too Built Britain’ campaign, which works for fair representation of minority communities’ contributions across all walks of life. Rishi Sunak held a roundtable discussion with designer Dominique Evans, Blondel Cluff CBE (CEO of the West India Committee), campaigners Zehra Zaidi, Professor Patrick Vernon, and Deputy Master of the Mint Anne Jessopp to mark the launch of the coin.
In a statement, he said, “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, and I am grateful to the Royal Mint for turning this around at record speed.”
In the meantime, Prime Minister Boris Johnson recognised that the new coin “echoed” the government’s “commitment to building a fairer society for all”.
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 have the opportunity to learn about these achievements. The Government will consult with stakeholders including “We Too Built Britain” and other groups representing minority communities on the themes of future coins in this series.
