Peace, prosperity, and the price of sovereignty: The 2020 Brexit 50p coin...

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On 31st January 2020, history was struck — not just in the halls of Parliament or the streets of Brussels, but quite literally at The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales. The UK had officially left the European Union, and to mark the moment, a unique commemorative coin was released: the 2020 “Peace, Prosperity and Friendship” 50p.

Simple in design but powerful in meaning, this coin captures the complex emotions surrounding Brexit — pride, uncertainty, relief, and hope — and crystallises a moment many had waited decades to see.

For many in the UK, the European Union had long outlived its usefulness. What started as a noble vision of post-war unity morphed into a bloated, bureaucratic machine — one that steadily chipped away at national independence, diluted culture in the name of conformity, and stifled innovation with regulation.

While Britain retained its own currency, it remained shackled by EU rules on trade, migration, fisheries, agriculture, and even the shape of bananas. More crucially, decision-making that should have been in the hands of the British people was increasingly outsourced to unelected commissioners in Brussels.

The UK’s historic 2016 referendum was a resounding statement — that sovereignty matters, that national identity isn’t up for negotiation, and that British people wanted to take back control. And after four years of political wrangling, delay, and division, Brexit was finally done.

Post-Brexit, the UK faced immediate and often disproportionate pushback from the European Commission. From trade friction in Northern Ireland to harsh regulatory treatment and a frigid diplomatic atmosphere, the message was clear: leaving the EU comes at a cost.

It’s no coincidence that other nations with strong Eurosceptic movements — like Italy, the Netherlands, and even France — saw momentum stall. What should have been the beginning of the end for the EU turned into a cautionary tale, engineered to discourage others from following Britain’s path to independence.

While the UK stood tall, others wavered, deterred not by the will of their people, but by the EU’s iron grip on member nations’ economies and international standing. The dream of a “Frexit,” “Italexit,” or “Nexit” was postponed — but not forgotten.

Now let’s talk about the coin itself — a simple but deeply symbolic piece of British numismatic history. The 2020 “Peace, Prosperity and Friendship with All Nations” 50p coin was struck to mark the UK’s official withdrawal from the European Union.

Coin specifications:

• Denomination: 50p
• Year of Issue: 2020
• Metal: .925 Sterling Silver (Silver Proof version)
• Weight: 8.00g
• Diameter: 27.30mm
• Finish: Proof
• Obverse Designer: Jody Clark (featuring Queen Elizabeth II)
• Reverse Inscription: “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations – 31 January 2020”
• Presentation: Boxed with certificate of authenticity
• Limited Edition: 47,000 Silver Proof coins

While the inscription may read as diplomatic, those who supported Brexit understand its deeper meaning: a forward-looking Britain, now free to chart its own course, build independent alliances, and reclaim its seat at the global table — not as one voice in a chorus of 27, but as a sovereign nation.

Whether you supported Brexit or not, this coin marks a defining chapter in British history. For collectors, it's more than just another 50p — it’s a tangible reminder of the day Britain stood its ground and reclaimed its independence.

For my collection, it sits alongside sovereigns, Britannias, and commemoratives not just for its value in silver, but for its value in symbolism. It tells a story of democracy, resilience, and national pride — and reminds us that freedom, once won, must be treasured.

The 2020 Brexit 50p may not be flashy, but it carries more political and historical weight than any coin in recent memory. As the UK continues to rebuild relationships on its own terms, this coin stands as a silent testament to the courage it took to leave — and the bright future still to come.

Peace. Prosperity. Friendship. Not on the EU’s terms — but on ours.