What kind of research did you undertake prior to approaching this coin theme?
“The Royal Air Force provided a set of photos showing different formations; there was lots of detail on their website about the Red Arrows. We watched YouTube videos – often shot from the audience’s point of view.
“The 3D model of the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 on the RAF’s website was invaluable for looking at different views and angles of the craft and working out how they could work together in formation on the small canvas of a 50p coin.”
Did you encounter any challenges whilst creating the design?
“One challenge was how to show the Red Arrows flying in formation, and how many aeroplanes would fit on the canvas of a 50p and still be identifiable. We also like to use strong typographic elements that complement the design – the 50p shape makes this an interesting challenge – along with the RAF’s target logo, which we were encouraged to try out on some iterations.”
Could you talk us through any iterations that led you to the final design?
“As usual with coin design projects, we start with sketched ideas which are developed on screen for a sheet of concepts. We then chat through these with Lee [R.] Jones [Product Design Lead] to select those that best meet the brief and are technically achievable in metal.
“The simpler designs with less elements often work better. For instance, we tried formations of nine planes spelling out ‘RED ARROWS’ in their trails, and other formations of seven and five planes in perspective, but homed in on designs showing three Red Arrows diving past; this allowed for red, white and blue vapour trails on the coloured versions.
“We were thrilled to be shortlisted and invited to submit revised designs, with The [Royal Mint] Advisory Committee (RMAC) suggesting that the Red Arrows fly upwards, overhead, rather than diving. This really helped with the dynamics of the design.
“I think this demonstrates how well the selection process works, with artists producing concepts which are then challenged by The Royal Mint’s [Product] Design team and the RMAC to develop and improve the final coin design, with the help of The Royal Mint’s specialist coin designers and engravers like Emma Noble, who modelled our final design.”
Paying Homage to the Red Arrows
Our 2025-dated coin celebrates more than 60 years of the Red Arrows, featuring the classic Hawk T1 aircraft used by the team on the reverse. The range includes gold Proof, silver Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated editions, including three colour-printed editions. These colour-printed editions are exclusively available from The Royal Mint and highlight the red, white and blue trails used in the Red Arrows’ displays.
Be Inspired
The Royal Air Force logotype is a registered trademark. © Crown Copyright 2025
