A new UK 50p coin has been designed to honour 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The Royal Mint says money from the sale of each coin will also be donated to the charity to support ongoing life saving work as the organisation prepares to celebrate its anniversary on Monday (March 4).

An official commemorative coin is also being gifted to every RNLI lifeboat station – of which there are 238 – as a lasting memento of the bicentennial anniversary.

Angela Rook from the RNLI 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.”

Designed by experienced coinage artist John Bergdahl, the design displays the RNLI flag surrounded by a life ring. Extensive work has also gone into, explains the Royal Mint, in making sure the colour that appears on a selection of the coins matches the exact shade of orange which is synonymous with the RNLI and its lifeboats.

The 50p, which is commemorative and so won’t enter circulation, is available to buy from The Royal Mint’s website with colour editions of the coin also on sale.

Rebecca Morgan from 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. Since its formation 200 years ago, the RNLI has served a pivotal role in keeping people safe on our coastlines as well as saving hundreds of thousands lives at sea. 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.”