Royal Mint Unveils New Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

A new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II has been unveiled by the Royal Mint.

The fifth definitve portrait of Her Majesty features a side profile of the 88-year-old monarch wearing a crown and drop earrings. The new design was created by Jody Clark and was selected in a competition organised by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee.

Reacting to the news, Mr Clark said "I still can't quite believe that my royal portrait will be featured on millions of coins, playing a small part in the Royal Mint's 1,000-year history."

His winning entry required approval from the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Queen herself. The coin enters production today and will enter circulation later this year.