New 50p designed to celebrate 75 years of the NHS
Funds from the collectable coin will go to charity
The 75th anniversary of the NHS is being celebrated by a specially designed collectable 50p.
The Royal Mint has released the coin with all net proceeds going to NHS Charities Together, an organisation that provides support to NHS staff, patients, and communities.
The Royal Mint says the coin sales could amount up to £225,000.
The coin was created by Alice Lediard, a senior designer at the Royal Mint, and was one of the first 50ps to feature King Charles when the design was first revealed in the Royal Mint’s annual sets in January.
The reverse design incorporates words to reflect the nation’s gratitude towards the NHS and its staff, such as “dedication”, “support” and “empathy”.
The design also uses a similar, angled font to the one used by the NHS.
"An honour to design"
Ms Lediard said: “It is an honour to have my design selected to appear on a 50p coin celebrating the NHS’s 75th anniversary.
“Like most of the nation, I have a deep-rooted pride and appreciation for the NHS.
“Both my partner and closest friends are NHS workers and worked on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The beating heart of the NHS is the staff who work for it, so I wanted to make sure the words encompassed everyone, presented a positive outlook, and summed up decades of healthcare provision to the British public in a personal way that everyone could associate with.”
This is the first time that the NHS 50p coin has been available for sale as an individual coin from the Mint, and not as part of the set.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together said: “NHS charities have been supporting the NHS throughout its 75 years, and the help we provide has never been more important.
“We are here for everyone who wants to give something back to the NHS and we are so grateful to the Royal Mint for donating the proceeds of this new coin to our charity. Together we can help the NHS go further for its staff and patients and ensure everyone can access the best healthcare possible.”
The Royal Mint has celebrated previous milestones in the NHS’s history on official UK coins over the decades, with a 50p introduced in 1998 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NHS.
The 50p coin celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS is available to buy via the Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting at £11.
History of the NHS
NHS is established
The National Health Service was formally established in 1948 at what is now Trafford General Hospital in Manchester. The service was started by Aneurin Bevan under the government of Clement Atlee. Its aim was to create a system of free healthcare to all. One of the first patients was Sylvia Diggory, aged 13, who was suffering from a liver condition.
Prescription charges introduced
Soon after its inception, charges for prescriptions and dental care were introduced. Each prescription would cost one shilling, while dental care would require a £1 payment. Charges would eventually be dropped and then reinstated in 1968.
NHS discoveries
Throughout the 1950s, thanks to the pioneering technology the NHS was using, a number of medical advancements were made. Polio vaccinations were rolled out in the UK, the structure of DNA was found and the link between smoking and cancer was proven.
Treating new diseases
As time went on and the NHS grew, so did its capacity to look after those who were unable to be treated before. The Mental Health Act in 1983 was the first time the concept of consent was raised in treating those with mental health issues. Nurses also treated people suffering from AIDS in the late 1980s and, together with the government, helped to reduce the stigma of the disease, which primarily affected gay men.
Opening to the public
In order to cope with the increasing demand for the NHS, the structure of the service changed. In 1991, NHS Trusts were established in the first of a wave of reorganisation for the service. People would later be able to donate organs more easily with the introduction of the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Stretched resources
In the 21st century, the NHS came under pressure as a result of stretched resources. With the rising cost of medicines, the government voted to bring in longer working hours and minimal increases in pay for NHS staff in 2015. This resulted in a mass picket of junior doctors around the country for better working conditions. It was the first general strike in the NHS' history and the first instance of industrial action in 40 years. There have been further strikes in 2023
NHS during coronavirus
In 2020, a new disease named COVID-19 began to spread around the world, eventually reaching the UK at the end of January. The resulting pandemic led to NHS workers being on the frontline of the disease. Support for the NHS grew massively and during lockdowns, so-called "Claps for Carers" would take place every Thursday to thank the NHS and its staff for protecting the public during the pandemic.