A Head for Coins
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December 1962
Photograph by Lord Snowdon
In 1962, Arnold Machin was one of the sculptors chosen to create a new effigy of The Queen in preparation for the new decimal coinage. This was nearly ten years before 'Decimal Day', and before the change had been announced to the public.
Originally, Machin was part of a team from the Royal Academy (where he was Master of Sculpture), but later he was asked to progress work on his own.
Photographs of The Queen were needed from which artists could work. The first photographs were existing prints by
Anthony Buckley. These had originally been taken with stamps in mind.
The Buckley photographs were not considered to be entirely satisfactory for coins. Lord Snowdon was commissioned to take a new series. Snowdon was briefed by the artists (including Machin) as to their requirements. The photographs all showed The Queen wearing a tiara.
January 1963
Sketch by Machin based on Snowdon photographs
Machin Arts Foundation
Machin based his drawings and first wax model on Snowdon’s photographs. His first plaster casts showed The Queen both with and without a tiara. Those with a tiara were preferred. Later models included the necessary lettering, split around a large head. John Betjeman thought Machin had "made her look a bit sexy".
16 May 1963
Series of seven obverses by Machin seen by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee (C was preferred)
Exclusive: this item features in the exhibition at the RCA
Although the Royal Mint Advisory Committee liked one version they thought it could be improved by personal sittings with The Queen. These were granted but the result was a disappointment.
Work reverted to the previously favoured version. Detail was improved by Machin over a period of several months.
1968
Proof 10p coin
Royal Mint
The final effigy was a classical design rather than a true portrait. It was approved by The Queen in June 1964 but did not appear on British coins until 1968.
