He told The Telegraph, "I began thinking about how her hands are such an important thing—she is always shaking hands, using them to carry out symbolic tasks like presenting awards, planting trees or unveiling plaques. It is how she communicates with hundreds, if not thousands, of people at once."
He added, "It led me to consider her signature, which is so symbolic, an instrument of state when she signs official documents, but also her personal promise and commitment. The more I looked at it, the signature was what was most important. I could see that if I focused on that, everything else could be simpler. It is ironic, yet understated: Elizabeth R. Nothing else is needed to explain who that is, it stands for so much on its own." (Fun fact: The "R" stands for "Regina," which is Latin for queen.)
According to The Royal Mint website, each coin highlights a different achievement. It reads, "The first coin in the collection focuses on Her Majesty’s awards and honors, which is a system that recognizes individual service in many forms. The second coin highlights Her Majesty’s work with charities and as a patron, whilst the third and final coin celebrates the Commonwealth, a ‘family of nations’ she has championed throughout her reign."
As seen in the photos shared by The Royal Mint, each silver coin has the same signature but different designs and lettering. One reads, "her Commonwealth of nations," while the other two say "the bestowing of her honor" and "her charity and her patronage."
Each five-pound coin is now available for purchase on The Royal Mint's website for $16. (Excuse us while we buy some new coins.)
Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.
