New Coinage Portrait Released in the UK

The Royal Mint today released the new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II that will begin featuring on British coins.

Engraver Jody Clark, who works at the Royal Mint, saw his design selected from the final selection of anonymous submissions. The design is the fifth portrait of the Queen to feature on coins since she took the throne in 1952. “I hope she [Queen Elizabeth] thinks it is a fitting and accurate representation,” he said at the unveiling.

In Clark’s design, Queen Elizabeth is shown wearing the George IV State Diadem, instead of the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara she wears on coins produced between 1998 and February 2015. It was designed entirely through digital mediums, from photographs of the Queen provided by Buckingham Palace.

By custom, Queen Elizabeth faces to the right on coins. Her father, King George VI, faced to the left, as will the Prince of Wales when he ascends the throne. The direction the image faces alternates with each monarch.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Portraits, Royal Coins.

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