The Great Seal of Edward VII was the first to be prepared following the appointment of the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint as ex-officio Engraver of His Majesty's Seals. It was designed by Royal Mint Engraver George William De Saulles but, following his premature death in July 1903, the execution of the wax models was entrusted to the medallist and sculptor Frank Bowcher.

An enthroned portrait of the King appears on the obverse accompanied by Justice, holding a sword and balance, and Commerce who, carrying a full-rigged ship, is shown standing next to a globe upon which can be discerned the continent of Africa and parts of Europe and Asia.

On 4 November 1901 the Royal Style and Titles were extended by Royal Proclamation to include a reference to the British dominions beyond the seas and this change was reflected on the Seal in the inscription while, on the reverse, the elaborate border is interspersed with scrolls bearing the names of colonies and dependencies.