Designing change:
coins of Elizabeth II
Until 1 March 2009
Room 69a
Admission free
This small display features the new designs for all United
Kingdom coins up to the £1 coin, introduced earlier this year, as
well as the designs that have been in use since decimalisation
nearly 40 years ago, and the Queen’s portraits from the whole of
her reign.
The first decimal coins came into circulation in 1971 and were
designed by Christopher Ironside. Some of his intricate designs for
the reverses of the first decimal coins are on display and show the
process of developing these miniature works of art that are used
every day. Unsuccessful entries and early sketches for the
now-familiar coin designs are also included.
The designs for the new reverses are by Matt Dent. They are based
on the royal shield of arms and were chosen in a public
competition. The designs are shown alongside trial pieces, models,
and the dies used to produce the new coins. Some of the other
entries to the public competition for new designs are also featured
in the exhibition.