The Great Seal of George VI was designed by George Kruger Gray who, as the foremost heraldic artist of his generation, received many numismatic commissions during the inter-war years. He was responsible for the new reverses adopted in 1927 for the United Kingdom silver coins and, ten years later, produced another series of designs for the first issue of George VI. Artwork prepared by Kruger Gray appeared on the coins of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and many other overseas countries. His extensive portfolio also included designs for the Great Seals of Canada and the Union of South Africa, as well as the Badges worn by Baronets and Knights Bachelor.

Here, the obverse shows the enthroned King crowned and robed, holding a drawn sword in his right hand and a sceptre in his left. An equestrian portrait appears on the reverse with the King in the uniform of a Field Marshal.

The Indian Independence Act of 1947 led to a change in the Royal Style and this was to be reflected in the Great Seal. No new designs were required, however, and a decision was made to simply amend the existing inscription. Following the death of Kruger Gray in 1943, the completion of this task fell to Percy Metcalfe who accordingly removed the title IND IMP and, to complete the inscription, extended the abbreviated FD to FIDEI DEF.