In 1995, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War, the Royal Mint released a Limited Issue Dove £2 Two Pound Proof Coin.
The 1995 bears a new design commemorating the end of the Second World War, for it is exactly fifty years since the world witnessed 'the greatest outburst of joy in the history of mankind'.
It was with these words that Winston Churchill captured the world‘s reaction to the happy news that after almost six years, the War in Europe was finally over and all hostilities were to cease after midnight on 8 May 1945, VE Day.
In the Far East the War continued. There the end came three months later on 15 August 1945, VJ Day, with the unconditional surrender of Japan and Allied Nations, the world over was able to unite in joyful celebration.
The new design created by John Mills beautifully depicts mankind's desire for a peaceful world, featuring in his own words,' a symbol of aspiring peace, the calm, bountiful and optimistic image of a dove'.
The obverse bears Raphael Maklouf's elegant portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
These legal tender coins have been struck to proof quality using specially prepared dies and highly polished blanks.