The Royal Mint has released a new commemorative 50p coin to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in the UK.

The coin was designed by artist Valda Jackson, who is herself a member of the Windrush generation. It depicts two black people standing against a backdrop of the Union Flag, and pays tribute to the British Caribbean and Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK from 1948-1973.

Ms Jackson was born in St Thomas, Jamaica, and moved to England in 1964. Her parents were among the generation of people invited to leave their home in Jamaica to come to work in Britain in the 60s. She later joined them at the age of five.

“The image on the coin is one of unity representing the bond between the UK and Commonwealth citizens who have helped rebuild the country in its time of need,” she told the BBC.

“It honours our parents and their legacy, and celebrates our presence, achievements, and contributions that continue to enrich our society.”

The Windrush generation refers to people who arrived in the UK from Caribbean countries between 1948 and 1971, when British immigration laws changed. Although not all Windrush generation migrants arrived on HMT Empire Windrush itself, the ship which first docked in Tilbury, Essex, on 22 June 1948 became a symbol of the wider mass-migration movement. Many of those who came to the UK had served in the British armed forces in World War Two.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, added: “We’re honoured to be marking the 75th anniversary since the Windrush generation arrived in the UK.”

She said the coin had gone through “a rigorous process”. “It’s decided which anniversaries are suitable for British coinage and once it’s passed that process, we then go to the Chancellor and only then does it finally go up to the King for his approval.”

There are three coins available, all of which go on sale today ahead of Thursday’s anniversary.

A limited edition gold coin, a limited edition silver coin, and a standard metal coin much like the legal tender 50p piece. All three coins go on sale today, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush on Thursday.

The coin is a fitting tribute to the Windrush generation and their contributions to British society. It is a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion, and it is a symbol of hope for the future.