Definitive coins are struck for the entire nation so various uniting themes are explored to ensure that the coins are aesthetically representative of the United Kingdom and easily identifiable to the public. The task is also different to the creation of a design for a commemorative coin, as there are more technical constraints and the process involves more than just one coin. Producing the first definitive coins of His Majesty King Charles III’s reign required a great deal of technical expertise and involved a more collaborative approach than the process involved with the creation of the first coins of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. These were placed before The Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) for consideration, before the new designs, created by Edgar Fuller, Gilbert Ledward, Cecil Thomas and William Gardner respectively, were eventually chosen. Pen-and-ink sketches were required in the first instance, with almost 300 reverse designs submitted by approximately 70 artists. In addition to creating a coinage portrait, produced by Mary Gillick, new reverse designs were created for the five-shilling coin, half-crown, florin, English shilling, Scottish shilling, sixpence and threepence. When Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father as British monarch on 6 February 1952, we faced a considerable challenge as the coins, medals and seals of George VI required alteration for the new reign. Acceding to the British throne on 8 September 2022 following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, His Majesty King Charles III now becomes part of numismatic history as we unveil the first definitive coins of his reign, complete with eight new reverse designs.

Royal mint new 5 pound coin