In 1901, Edward VII became king following the death of Queen Victoria. The king only reigned for nine years, in contrast to his mother who held the title of Britain's longest reigning monarch until Elizabeth II surpassed the record in September 2015. Although Edward became king in 1901, his first coins were not struck until 1902 and featured the portrait of the king, known as the 'bare head', created by the engraver of this medal, George William de Saulles.