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.

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".

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.

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.

Illustrations

Photograph of The Queen by Lord Snowdon

Sketch by Machin

Series of seven obverses by Machin

Proof of 10p coin, 1968