The Royal Arms
The British Royal Coat of Arms, distinct for each monarch, comprises a crest, motto, and shield with two ‘supporters’ on either side. Queen Elizabeth II’s coat of arms showcases a quartered shield of the United Kingdom, topped with a royal crown, and the motto “Dieu et mon droit” – “God on my right.”
Originating from the 1707 Act of Union, the shield symbolizes the alliance of the four Great British nations. It features three passant lions for England, a rampant lion for Scotland, three lions for Wales, and a golden harp for Northern Ireland. A golden lion and a silver unicorn support the shield.
Obverse
The obverse reveals the premier coinage portrait of HM King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings, with the inscription:
CHARLES III · DEI · GRA · REX · FID · DEF ·
Reverse
Artist Jody Clark has crafted a fresh representation of the Royal Coat of Arms for the reverse.
The Royal Arms displays a quartered shield of the United Kingdom, supported by the lion of England and the unicorn of Scotland. A royal crown surmounts the shield, adorned by a golden lion.
The barely visible Order of the Garter reads ‘HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE,’ which translates roughly to “EVIL BE TO HIM WHO EVIL THINKS THEREOF.”
An intricate pattern embellishes the background, featuring the floral emblems of England (rose), Scotland (thistle), and Ireland (shamrock) in the lower field.
