1. RAF Centenary – 50p: Hawker Hurricane (1935)

• Aircraft Featured: Hawker Hurricane

• Historical Reference: First flight in 1935, the Hurricane played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain.

• Coin Design: Features a detailed depiction of the Hurricane in flight, emphasizing its elliptical wings and robust fuselage.

• Designer: Richard and Neil Talbot

• Obverse: Portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.

• Theme: Tribute to the versatile fighter that formed the backbone of RAF Fighter Command in WWII.

🔹 2. RAF Centenary – 50p: Spitfire (1934)

• Aircraft Featured: Supermarine Spitfire

• Historical Reference: While its first official flight was in 1936, key design work and development began around 1934 under R.J. Mitchell.

• Coin Design: Shows the Spitfire soaring above clouds, symbolizing its role in defending Britain’s skies.

• Theme: Celebrates the iconic British fighter known for its speed, agility, and contribution to air superiority during WWII.

🔹 3. RAF Centenary – 50p: Vulcan Bomber (1957)

• Aircraft Featured: Avro Vulcan

• Historical Reference: Entered full operational service in 1957, the Vulcan was a key component of the UK’s Cold War nuclear deterrent.

• Coin Design: Displays the distinctive delta-winged Vulcan in a dynamic climbing pose.

• Theme: Honors Britain’s Cold War-era strategic bomber, a symbol of high-tech aerospace engineering and deterrence.

🔹 4. RAF Centenary – 50p: Red Arrows / Jet Age (1974)

• Aircraft Featured: Red Arrows (BAE Hawk)

• Historical Reference: While the Red Arrows formed in the 1960s, their transition to the BAE Hawk T1 aircraft began in 1974, defining the modern aerobatic era.

• Coin Design: Features a tight formation of jets, trailing smoke in a classic Red Arrows maneuver.

• Theme: Celebrates the RAF's public face of precision flying and aviation excellence.

Specifications (for each coin):

• Denomination: 50 Pence

• Metal: Cupro-nickel (circulation standard); also released in silver proof and gold proof versions

• Diameter: 27.3 mm

• Weight: 8.0 grams

• Edge: Plain

• Issued: 2018 by the Royal Mint

Collectibility:

These RAF 50p coins are highly popular among modern British commemorative coin collectors, aviation enthusiasts, and those with a connection to the Royal Air Force. The set serves as a powerful tribute to the technological and heroic legacy of the RAF across decades of innovation and defense.