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Queen Elizabeth II: Coins that are a pocketful of history

PA Media One pound coinsPA Media
The Queen's profile on UK and Commonwealth coins is something many people have been used to all their lives

For seven decades in the UK and around the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II's portrait has been a familiar sight to anyone reaching into their pockets for change.

BBC News takes a closer look at some of the coins made during the Queen's 70-year reign, with the help of The Oxford Numismatic Society.

The Oxford Numismatic Society The first portrait of the Queen (on a 1964 25 cent piece from Canada)The Oxford Numismatic Society
Her Majesty's first portrait was created by Mary Gillick in 1953, seen here on this 25-cent piece from Canada that dates from 1964
The Oxford Numismatic Society 1953 Canada coronation medallionThe Oxford Numismatic Society
This coronation medallion dates back to 1953 and was also minted in Canada

The society - a group of enthusiastic coin collectors - was set up more than 60 years ago and boasts an impressive collection.

Their secretary David Pickup told the BBC he expects new coins to be issued after the Coronation of King Charles III, "next year, possibly Spring time".

King Charles has appeared on coins before to commemorate specific birthdays.

"There will probably be a competition for a new portrait," Mr Pickup says. "It will be interesting whether Charles will be shown wearing a crown or be bareheaded, and what Royal titles will appear on the coins."

The Oxford Numismatic Society Arnold Machin portrait on coinThe Oxford Numismatic Society
This is the famous Arnold Machin portrait of the Queen, used on coins in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. 'Dei Gra Reg Fid Def' translates from Latin as "Reigning by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith"
The Oxford Numismatic Society Coin for Malaya and British BorneoThe Oxford Numismatic Society
Her Majesty's portrait is also used on coins in Australia, Gibraltar, and the Falkland Islands. This one is from Malaya and British Borneo.

He also explains why the Queen always faces to the right.

"Each new monarch since the 17th Century has looked in the opposite direction to their predecessor," he says.

"The new portrait is likely to look to the left.

"The exception was Edward VIII, who was never crowned. Very few coins were made for him and his portrait looked left like George V and George VI. There is a story that he preferred his left profile.

"The tradition was started by Charles II, who wanted to turn his back on Puritan coins."

The Oxford Numismatic Society A coin from New ZealandThe Oxford Numismatic Society
This coin from 2006 was issued in New Zealand...
The Oxford Numismatic Society The modern portrait used on coins of CanadaThe Oxford Numismatic Society
...and this is the modern portrait of the Queen used on coins in Canada

The society says it is proud Oxford itself once played a part in minting the nation's currency.

"The king's predecessor Charles I established his headquarters in Oxford during the English Civil War," Mr Pickup explains.

"His mint was here with him from 1643 to 1646. A mint was set up in Oxford in New Inn Hall, at the present site of St. Peter's College."

"Collecting coins is a fascinating way to learn about local and international history, design and, everyday life," he adds.

"It is almost like time travel, because handling an old coin puts you in touch with life centuries ago."

HM Queen Elizabeth II 640x55

What next? A day-by-day guide from now to the funeral

How titles and the line of succession have changed

What's a state funeral? Will shops close? And other questions

HM Queen Elizabeth II black line

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