The Coin Approval Process

The Royal Mint Advisory Committee

All themes considered for coins made by The Royal Mint go through a rigorous planning and design selection process governed by an independent panel known as The Royal Mint Advisory Committee. Committee members include experts in art, heraldry, typography, sculpture, or numismatics, as well as experts in design and history from The Royal Mint.

Once themes have been submitted for consideration, the committee ensures that those shortlisted reflect the most significant or appropriate events, figures and anniversaries for commemoration. Key considerations include Britishness, global impact, cultural relevancy, and similarity to existing themes. Once the chancellor and monarch have approved a theme, The Royal Mint will organise a design competition and invite a select number of artists to take part. A recommendation is made by the committee on the best design, which is then submitted to the monarch for approval. Prince Philip was President of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee from 1952 to 1999.

The Privy Council and Royal Proclamation

Comprising individuals who hold or have held senior political, judicial or religious office in the United Kingdom or in Commonwealth Realms, the Privy Council is an advisory body to the monarch. Following the 1971 Coinage Act, a Royal Proclamation detailing the coin denominations and agreed designs that The Royal Mint wishes to make is submitted to a Privy Council meeting where it is formally signed off by the monarch. Once signed, production of said coins can commence.