The British Mint, the Royal Mint, has designed new commemorative coins with the monarch's royal signature to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's throne. According to a press release, the five-pound coins will be minted in three different variants, each to honor the Queen's charitable commitments, the Commonwe alth and the Orders of Merit bestowed by the Royal House.
The coins are available from the Royal Mint's website since Thursday. The simplest version is £13, the gold version is £2,865.
Design by artist and illustrator P. J. Lynch. The words "Her Commonwe alth of Nations" are read across the top of the coin, with a portion of the Queen's flag and her signature below. The R in her signature stands for the Latin word "regina", which means "queen". According to the Royal Mint, this is the first time the monarch's signature has been featured on a British coin.
Designer was inspired by the hands of the Queen
Lynch was inspired by the Queen's hands, according to a statement. "She shakes hands so often - that's how she greets and communicates with the people she meets. It made me think of her signature, so iconic, as an instrument of state when signing official documents, but also as her personal promise and commitment.", explains the designer.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to King George VI after the death of her father. took the throne on February 6, 1952. This year she celebrates her 70th anniversary.
