50p Coin
The World’s First Thunderbirds 50p Coins
“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Thunderbirds 50ps are GO!”
It’s been six decades since those unforgettable words rocketed onto British television screens, launching one of the most beloved sci-fi series in history. Now, for the first time ever, all five Thunderbirds have landed — not on Tracy Island, but on a set of official 50p coins.
And collectors, it’s a moment you won’t want to miss.
Celebrating 60 Years of Thunderbirds on Official 50p Coins
To mark the 60th anniversary of Thunderbirds, a stunning series of British Isles 50p coins has been released — and it’s truly something special.
Each coin showcases one of the iconic Thunderbird machines — from the sleek, supersonic Thunderbird 1, to the orbital sentinel Thunderbird 5 — all beautifully struck with full-colour designs that pop with detail and personality.
For fans, this is more than a coin release. It’s a celebration of a British sci-fi legacy that pushed the boundaries of imagination, engineering, and storytelling.
What’s on the Coins? Meet the Thunderbirds
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these coins so special:
🔵 Thunderbird 1
The hypersonic rocket plane that’s always first to the scene. Piloted by the ever-capable Scott Tracy, it’s the face of rapid response — and the first line of International Rescue.
🟢 Thunderbird 2
That unmistakable green VTOL craft piloted by Virgil Tracy. Known for transporting heavy rescue gear (and Thunderbird 4, of course), its design was as practical as it was unforgettable.
🔴 Thunderbird 3
The bold red space rocket, operated by Alan Tracy. Its missions in orbit — and beyond — kept the Earth safe from peril in the most extreme situations.
🟡 Thunderbird 4
A fan-favourite! This compact yellow submersible, piloted by Gordon Tracy, handled the dangers of the deep. It’s sleek, agile, and always ready for underwater action.
⚪ Thunderbird 5
Orbiting Earth high above, this communications hub — maintained by John Tracy — was the eyes and ears of the entire operation. No rescue mission could start without it.
Spotlight on the Artist: Lee Sullivan
Bringing the Thunderbirds 50p coins to life is none other than acclaimed comic book artist Lee Sullivan, whose illustrations grace both the coin designs and the accompanying presentation booklets in this special anniversary collection.
Lee made his mark working on iconic titles such as Doctor Who, Transformers, RoboCop, 2000AD, Fireball XL5, and of course — Thunderbirds.
A lifelong fan of the series, Lee began working on Thunderbirds strips for Redan Publishing in the 1990s. What he thought would be a short stint turned into a five-year creative journey, during which he produced nearly all of the originated strips for the title — handling pencilling, inking, and eventually full-colour digital artwork. He also created Thunderbirds illustrations for Redan’s Fun to Learn activity magazines.
His deep connection to the series, combined with decades of illustrative expertise, makes Lee’s contribution to this coin range something truly special. Each coin and booklet is infused with his passion for the franchise — ensuring this collection isn’t just official, but authentic to the spirit of Thunderbirds.
Explore the Full Thunderbirds Coin Range
Don’t wait for International Rescue — these coins are already proving incredibly popular.
In fact, the Thunderbirds Collectors Edition has already sold out, proving just how in-demand these coins are. That’s not just hype — it’s a clear sign that fans and collectors are eager to own a piece of this historic release.
If you don’t want to miss out on the remaining issues, now is the time to act.
👉 Click here to explore the full Thunderbirds coin collection
From single coins to full sets, including premium editions — there’s a release to suit every kind of fan and collector.
Could the 2025 UK Zog 50p be RARER than the sell-out Gruffalo 50p?
For the very first time, the loveable, accident-prone dragon Zog has been celebrated on a UK 50p coin, marking 15 magical years since the much-loved children’s book was first published.
Explore the 2025 UK Zog 50p Range >>
Zog turns 15
Since Zog first burst onto the scene in 2010, he’s captured imaginations around the world. Written by Julia Donaldson, former UK Children’s Laureate, and brought to life with Axel Scheffler’s iconic illustrations, the tale of perseverance, friendship (and a few fiery mishaps!) has become a bedtime favourite.
Over 4.5 million copies of Zog have been sold globally, and its timeless charm continues to delight both children and adults.
The FIRST ever Zog coin
To mark 15 year of the much loved story, Zog is taking centre stage on a UK 50p for the very first time.
The coin’s reverse has been beautifully designed by Emma Noble, who has expertly captured the moment Zog learns to fly, taking inspiration straight from the pages of the beloved story.
Now here’s where it gets really exciting, and why you’ll need need to act fast if you want to get your hands on one…
Tiny edition limits
Two of the most sought-after versions of the Zog 50p have been issued with incredibly small edition limits, making it even rarer than the sell-out 2019 Gruffalo 50p!
Just 3,500 Silver Proof Zog 50ps are available and the Gold Proof 1/40oz has an edition limit of just 1,000.
The 2019 Gruffalo 50p, 2019 Gruffalo and Mouse 50p and the 2024 Gruffalo’s Child 50p all had Silver Proof edition limits of 25,000, and all sold out within just hours of release! So to put this into perspective, the Zog Silver Proof 50p has an edition limit SEVEN TIMES smaller that previous sell-out Julia Donaldson coins!
And the Gold Proof 1/40oz? Well, with just 1,000 available, it’s one of the most limited gold 50p releases we’ve ever seen.
Don’t miss out on securing your Zog 50p
With such tiny edition limits, and the huge popularity of Julia Donaldson’s coins, don’t miss out on your chance to secure your Zog 50p.
Stories of the Second World War UK 50p
The echoes of the Second World War are fading as those who lived through it pass on. Despite this, the tales of courage and resilience from those dark times remain vivid, capturing the spirit of a nation that stood bravely against fascism. As we look back, it’s crucial to preserve these stories, ensuring they continue to inspire future generations. Recognising this, a brand new UK 50p has been released, thoughtfully designed to echo the contributions of the British people during the war.
The Enduring Spirit of Wartime Britain
The courage of Britain’s people, both in combat and on the home front, played a pivotal role in the war effort. Every individual, whether soldier or civilian, contributed to a hard-fought victory, embodying a nationwide resolve that changed the course of history.
As time moves on, the personal accounts of this era grow more precious. They not only shed light on the struggles faced but also highlight the unyielding bravery that characterized a generation.
A Tribute in Metal
Crafted by artist Timothy Noad, the brand new 50p coin range features an artful arrangement of three iconic wartime medals: The War Medal 1939–45, The Defence Medal, and The 1939–45 Star, each symbolising different facets of wartime service and sacrifice.
- The War Medal 1939–45 was awarded to military personnel for full-time service.
- The Defence Medal celebrated those in non-combat roles and civilian duties essential to the war effort.
- The 1939–45 Star recognised service in active combat zones.
The Personal Accounts of WWII Veterans
As we reflect on the bravery shown during the Second World War, the personal stories of veterans who served offer invaluable insights. Among them are Bernard Morgan, Albert Price, Jack Mortimer, and Joe Mines, whose experiences during the Second World War, provide a direct connection to the past. Their recollections not only humanise the vast historical narrative but also enrich our understanding of the day-to-day realities of war.
- Bernard Morgan – Bernard Morgan was only 19 when he landed on Gold Beach as an RAF sergeant, making him one of the youngest sergeants to participate in the Normandy invasion.
- Albert Price – Albert Price’s wartime journey began with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards in 1942, two years before he would set foot on Gold Beach as an 18-year-old gunner.
- Jack Mortimer – Jack vividly recounts the daunting scenario as he landed on Sword Beach, surrounded by a massive assembly of ships, vehicles, tanks, and artillery.
- Joe Mines – As a member of the Royal Air Force, Joe provided critical air support during the landings, his accounts highlight the aerial challenges and the crucial support provided to ground troops.
Their stories ensure that the lessons and legacies of that pivotal day are remembered and passed on to future generations.
This new UK 50p release does more than enrich a collection, it serves as a potent emblem of the resilience and valour of wartime Britain. By holding this coin, we hold a piece of history, a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom. Such tributes help keep the legacy of the past alive, inspiring us with the strength and spirit of those who came before us.
Through remembering and honouring these stories, we commit to learning from them, ensuring that the lessons of courage and resilience endure.