Have you ever thought about who designs the money you carry around in your wallet? In the UK, this role falls under the purview of the Royal Mint. They are responsible for designing and producing everyday coins, such as the 1p and 2p pieces, as well as commemorative coins and medals. With a history spanning over 1,100 years, the Royal Mint is a crucial component of the UK’s economy.
As such, it’s fascinating to learn about the creation process of UK currency. The Royal Mint has a team of talented artists and designers who are responsible for conceptualising and creating new coins. They utilise traditional hand-carving techniques as well as modern computer software to bring these designs to life. Indeed, it’s a highly skilled profession that requires not only artistic ability, but also technical knowledge of metallurgy and other related sciences.
So the next time you handle a coin or note, take a moment to appreciate the intricate designs and the team behind them. Their work is more than just aesthetic; it’s an important component of a country’s identity and economy. The Royal Mint’s designs have become iconic symbols of British culture, and they continue to do their part in shaping the country’s history and future through their artistry.
History of UK currency design
The history of UK currency design dates back to the early Roman times when coins were first introduced. The coins were designed with images of Roman emperors and African animals representing the source of the precious metal used to make the coins. During the Middle Ages, the design of coins became more complex with inscriptions and symbols representing countries and kings.
It was not until the 17th century that the UK’s Royal Mint began to take responsibility for designing and producing the country’s coins. Christopher Ironside, an artist and sculptor, was the first independent artist to design a British coin. Ironside’s design for the new 50 pence piece in 1969 was a success and is still in use today. Since then, numerous other artists and designers have been commissioned to create coin designs.
- In 2008, Matthew Dent designed a series of coins featuring iconic images of Britain’s royal coat of arms spread over six denominations from 1 penny to 50 pence.
- In 2015, the Royal Mint enlisted the help of the public to help design a new 12-sided £1 coin to replace the old “round pound.”
- Recently, in 2021, The Royal Mint announced that they had commissioned 26 new 50p coins celebrating the best of Britishness, including landmarks, cultural icons, and aspects of British life.
The design of banknotes, on the other hand, has always been a responsibility of the Bank of England, which was established in 1694. Banknotes have come a long way since the first handwritten promissory notes that were issued by goldsmiths in the 17th century. Early banknotes printed by the Bank of England were simple designs and included a portrait of the monarch and engravings of famous landmarks. It was not until the 20th century that banknote design began to take more of an artistic form.
Today, the Bank of England regularly designs and releases new banknotes featuring prominent British figures such as scientists, authors, and designers. Its latest design, the polymer £20 note, features a portrait of famous artist JMW Turner and a striking design that includes a transparent window and colorful metallic elements.
| Year | Banknote Design |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Winston Churchill |
| 2017 | Jane Austen |
| 2020 | Alan Turing |
| 2021 | JMW Turner |
The design of UK currency has come a long way since its Roman beginnings. From simple portraits to intricate designs, the country’s coins and banknotes are a reflection of the nation’s history and cultural significance.
Her Majesty’s Treasury role in currency design
The Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) is responsible for designing and producing the banknotes and coins used in the UK. It works in collaboration with the Bank of England (BoE) to ensure that all currency designs meet the required standard of quality and security.
- The HMT takes the lead on currency design, working with the BoE’s currency division to produce notes and coins that meet the necessary standards of durability, quality, and anti-counterfeiting features.
- The Bank of England is responsible for printing banknotes, managing their distribution and circulation, and ensuring that counterfeit notes are detected and removed from circulation.
- The designs for UK currency typically feature portraits of famous historical figures and iconic national landmarks, such as Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.
The HMT also plays an important role in the decision-making process regarding which individuals and landmarks are featured on UK currency. For example, a recent decision was made to replace the portrait of economist Adam Smith on the £20 note with the image of artist JMW Turner. This was based on feedback from the public and a panel of experts, including historians, artists, and architects.
Overall, the HMT is responsible for ensuring that UK currency is of the highest quality and meets the necessary standards for security and durability. Its collaboration with the Bank of England helps to ensure that counterfeit notes are detected and removed from circulation, while the designs chosen reflect the UK’s rich cultural heritage and national identity.
| Responsibility | Her Majesty’s Treasury | Bank of England |
|---|---|---|
| Currency design and production | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Banknote printing and distribution | ✔️ | |
| Anti-counterfeiting measures | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Through its collaboration with the Bank of England, the Her Majesty’s Treasury plays a vital role in ensuring that UK currency is secure, durable, and reflects the nation’s cultural heritage.
Bank of England’s Involvement in Currency Design
The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and is responsible for issuing banknotes and coins. It has been involved in currency design since its foundation in 1694.
The bank employs a team of skilled designers, engravers, and printers who work together to create new banknotes and coins. They are responsible for ensuring that the designs are both aesthetically pleasing and secure against counterfeiting.
Banknote Design Process
- The Bank of England sets out a brief for the new banknote design, which includes the denomination, theme, and any security features that need to be included.
- The bank’s team of designers then create a range of concepts and sketches, which are presented to the bank’s board for approval.
- Once a design has been chosen, detailed artwork is created and engraved onto metal plates.
- The plates are then used to print the banknotes.
Coin Design Process
The design process for coins is similar to that of banknotes:
- The Bank of England sets out a brief for the new coin design.
- The bank’s team of designers create a range of concepts and sketches for the new coin.
- Once a design has been chosen, it is sent to the Royal Mint, which produces a plaster model of the coin.
- The plaster model is used to create a metal die, which is used to mint the coins.
Security Features
The Bank of England places great emphasis on the security features of its banknotes and coins. These features are designed to make it difficult for counterfeiters to produce fake currency.
Some of the security features used on Bank of England banknotes include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Holograms | These are images that change when viewed from different angles. |
| Watermarks | These are images that are visible when the banknote is held up to the light. |
| Security thread | A thread embedded in the banknote that is visible when held up to the light. Some threads are magnetic and some fluoresce under ultraviolet light. |
The Bank of England is constantly reviewing and improving its security features to stay ahead of counterfeiters.
Security features of UK banknotes
Banknotes function as a secure and dependable means of exchanging value and are used by millions of people every day. It is for this reason that the Bank of England has invested significant resources in designing and implementing complex security features for UK banknotes, which make them highly secure and resistant to counterfeiting. These features include:
- The use of sophisticated security papers which have watermarks.
- Specially crafted inks with metallic pigments and iridescent paint which are used to print the notes.
- High-resolution microlettering that can only be read under a magnifying glass.
The security features used in UK banknotes also include several features which are designed to prevent counterfeiting. These features include:
- The use of security threads embedded in the notes which glow when placed under ultraviolet light.
- Special printing processes which create detailed and finely engraved images that cannot be easily copied.
- Difficult-to-replicate holograms which feature intricate designs that are hard to reproduce.
Each note also features a unique serial number which serves as an additional security measure and helps to prevent duplication or counterfeiting. The Bank of England constantly reviews and updates these security features to maintain public trust in banknotes and protect against counterfeiters.
| Security Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Watermarks | A design created using different levels of paper thickness for enhanced security. |
| Security Threads | Invisible fibers woven into the paper which glow when placed under ultraviolet light. |
| Holograms | A multi-image design which changes when the note is tilted. |
| Microlettering | Very small letters and numbers that can be read under a magnifying glass. |
Overall, the Bank of England has designed and implemented an array of innovative security features into UK banknotes to ensure their integrity and prevent counterfeiting. This has helped to maintain public confidence in banknotes and ensure that they remain a trustworthy and secure means of exchanging value.
Evolution of UK coin design
In the UK, there have been several changes in the design of coins over the years. From the early days of the monarchy to the present day, coins have undergone several changes in design. Below are some of the key periods in the evolution of UK coin design.
- Anglo-Saxon period: During this period, the first coins were introduced in England. These coins were silver pennies and had a design that consisted of a cross on one side and the name of the king on the other side.
- Tudor period: During the reign of Henry VIII, coins began to feature the monarch’s portrait for the first time. The design of coins became more ornate during this period, and gold coins were introduced for the first time.
- Georgian period: During the Georgian period, the design of coins became more standardized, with the image of the monarch on one side and the denomination of the coin on the other side.
From the 20th century onwards, coins have undergone fewer changes in design, with the image of the monarch remaining a key feature of all coins. However, new designs have been introduced for special occasions and commemorative events.
One notable change in recent years has been the introduction of new designs for £1 coins. The old round £1 coins were replaced with new twelve-sided £1 coins in 2017. The new design features a combination of the English rose, Welsh leek, Scottish thistle, and Northern Irish shamrock on one side, and the image of Queen Elizabeth II on the other side.
| Period | Key Changes in Design |
|---|---|
| Anglo-Saxon period | Introduction of silver pennies with cross and king’s name |
| Tudor period | Introduction of monarch’s portrait, gold coins |
| Georgian period | Standardized design with monarch’s image and denomination |
Despite several changes in design over the centuries, coins remain an important part of UK culture and tradition. With new designs being introduced periodically, coins will continue to evolve and reflect the changing times.
Role of Artists and Engravers in UK Currency Design
In the United Kingdom, the design of new banknotes is the responsibility of the Bank of England, while the Royal Mint is responsible for the design of new coins. The Bank of England designs are steeped in British history and tradition, with each banknote featuring portraits of famous British figures and landmarks. The artists and engravers who work on these designs play a crucial role in bringing the Bank of England’s vision to life.
- Artists: The role of artists in currency design involves creating the overall design concept for a new banknote or coin. This includes deciding on the banknote’s size, color schemes, and design elements, such as images of British landmarks and famous figures. Artists work alongside Bank of England officials to ensure that each design accurately reflects British history and culture.
- Engravers: The role of engravers is to turn the artist’s design into the final product. Using specialized tools, they create the intricate details and security features that make UK currency so distinctive. They must also ensure that each banknote or coin meets rigorous standards for quality and security.
- Collaboration: The collaboration between artists and engravers is of the utmost importance in currency design. The artist creates a design that is aesthetically pleasing and historically accurate, while the engraver must ensure that the design can be printed or stamped onto banknotes or coins with precision and accuracy. Together, they work to create a final product that is worthy of representing Britain’s long and proud history.
The Bank of England regularly introduces new banknotes to celebrate British history and culture. The new £50 note, which will enter into circulation in 2021, features Alan Turing, the mathematician who cracked the German Enigma code during World War II. The design was created by the artist and banknote designer, Smith & Gilmour, and the engraver, Martin Sennett.
Engravers and artists play an integral role in the design of UK currency. Their collaboration ensures that each new banknote and coin accurately reflects the long and storied history of Britain, while incorporating the latest in printing and security technology to deter counterfeiters.
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Artists | Create overall design concept, work with officials to ensure historical accuracy and cultural relevance |
| Engravers | Turn design into final product, create intricate details and security features, ensure quality and security standards are met |
| Collaboration | Work together to create a final product that accurately represents British history and culture with the latest printing and security technology to prevent counterfeit production |
Each element of the design process is significant, and the collaboration between artists and engravers results in a beautiful depiction of history and culture in every British banknote and coin.
International recognition of UK currency design
Designing a country’s currency is more than just creating a visually appealing banknote. It involves extensive research, thoughtful consideration of security features, and attention to historical and cultural significance. The designers responsible for the UK currency have done just that, resulting in a design that’s recognized globally for its beauty, security, and innovation. Here are some notable achievements and recognitions of the UK currency:
- Best New Banknote Award – In 2018, the Bank of England’s £10 note, featuring author Jane Austen on the front, won the International Association of Currency Affairs’ Best New Banknote Award. The note was recognized for its high level of security features, durability, and accessibility for visually impaired individuals.
- Most Secure Banknote – The Bank of England’s £5 note, featuring Sir Winston Churchill on the front, has been named the most secure banknote in the world by the International Bank Note Society. The note’s security features include a hologram of the Elizabeth Tower and a foil patch with a 3D image of the word “five”.
- Design Excellence – The design of the UK currency has been recognized for its excellence by various organizations, including the Design Business Association, which awarded the Bank of England its Design Effectiveness Award in 2019 for the successful launch of the new polymer banknotes.
In addition to these specific recognitions, the UK currency’s design has gained widespread international recognition and acclaim. The unique combination of historical figures and landmarks, innovative security features, and modern design elements have all contributed to its well-respected reputation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Polymer material | The use of polymer material makes the notes resistant to damage and counterfeiting. |
| Transparent window | The transparent section of the note incorporates a hologram featuring the Queen’s portrait and a unique multi-coloured number. |
| Tactile feature | The £20 and £10 notes have a tactile feature to assist visually impaired people in identifying the denomination. |
| Counterfeit resistant | The notes incorporate features such as a foil image, a hologram, and raised print to make them more counterfeit-resistant. |
The international recognition of the UK currency’s design is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the designers responsible for its creation. From its beautiful and thoughtful design elements to its innovative security features, the UK currency is truly a work of art that’s recognized and respected worldwide.
Who designs money in the UK?
1. Who is responsible for designing the UK’s banknotes?
The Bank of England’s banknote design team is responsible for designing the UK’s banknotes.
2. What is the main focus of the banknote design team?
The banknote design team’s main focus is to create banknotes that are secure, durable, and attractive.
3. Who decides which historical figures are featured on UK banknotes?
The Bank of England’s Banknote Character Advisory Committee makes recommendations on which historical figures should be featured on UK banknotes.
4. How often are new designs for banknotes introduced?
New designs for banknotes are usually introduced every 10-15 years.
5. Who designs the commemorative coins that are released in the UK?
The Royal Mint’s engraving team is responsible for designing commemorative coins that are released in the UK.
6. Can anyone submit a design for a UK banknote or coin?
No, only approved designers and engravers are able to submit designs for UK banknotes or coins.
Thanks for reading!
Now that you know who designs money in the UK, you can appreciate the amount of thought and effort that goes into creating the banknotes and coins we use every day. Stay informed and come back soon for more interesting articles!