Red Arrows 50p coin marks 60th anniversary

A Red Arrows 50p coin has been launched by The Royal Mint to mark 60 years since the team's first air display.

The design by Nigel Tudman features three of the Hawk T1 aircraft in flight with colour trails used in the team's aerial displays.

The coin was available to buy from The Royal Mint's website from 09:00 GMT on 6 February, with prices starting from £12.

Since 1965, the Red Arrows – officially called the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and based at RAF Waddington, near Lincoln – have put on nearly 5,000 displays and performed in 57 countries.

Team leader Sqn Ldr Jon Bond said: "Across 60 seasons, the Red Arrows have aimed to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with a world-class display of precision and teamwork.

"These new 50p coins, with our distinctive Hawk jets depicted brilliantly in close formation, are a wonderful celebration of the excitement, enjoyment and pride felt by millions of individuals, including the next generation of aviators, at airshows and events every year."

The Royal Mint's Rebecca Morgan said: "The Red Arrows are a symbol of British aviation excellence in the UK and worldwide.

"We are proud to celebrate 60 years of their spectacular displays on an official collectable 50p coin."

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