Second Portrait:
Start Year: 1968 (5+10p), 1970 (decimalisation)
End Year: 1984
Sculptor: Arnold Machin (O.B.E, R.A)
The decimal portrait is the second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. First introduced on 5p and 10p coins in 1968 as an early test, the portrait came into full production with the Royal Mint in 1970 - coinciding with the planned decimalisation due to commence in 1971.
The sculptor and coin specialist Arnold Machin designed the coin, and the Queen is seen wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara – a wedding gift from grandmother Queen Mary in 1947. Interestingly the same portrait - following a few alterations - has been used on Royal Mail stamps since 1967.
As with all of the British gold sovereigns you can see St George slaying the dragon on the front of the coin, and the Queen's portrait on the reverse. It is accompanied by the Latin DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D which literally translates into English as 'By the Grace of God, Queen' and 'Defender of the Faith'.
This coin will be presented in an attractive black-velvet lined oak gift box.
Following the changes to international shipping after Brexit, orders to the European Union under €1,500 will be sent with Colissimo, in collaboration with national postal services across Europe. Orders greater than €1,500 (up to €40,000) will be sent by FedEx.
All orders of any size or value up to €40,000 are sent with free, insured delivery, with a 25kg weight limit per parcel. Orders worth more than €40,000 will be dispatched in separate parcels on consecutive days.
