The Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Her Majesty was used from 1998 until 2015, making this Sovereign one of the last years in which you could find this portrait of Her Majesty on a coin.

This portrait contrasted with those on previous coins, as it focused on being more realistic. Ian Rank-Broadley explained there was “no need to disguise the matureness of The Queen’s years. There is no need to flatter her. She is a 70-year-old woman with poise and bearing.” The portrait also appeared as large as possible within the framework of the coin, as he wanted to maximise its impact on smaller coins like the new 5p, 10p and 50p pieces.

This Sovereign was released in the 60th anniversary year of The Queen’s coronation and the year in which His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge was born, making this coin poignant in marking the past and future of the House of Windsor.