Humphrey Paget, Coin Designer

[<k>]

The designs are superb, but too much of the surface is left blank, making it look more like an art medal. Strange too that Ireland's best designs are by the English, though I do rate their 1990 punt coin, the red deer by Thomas Ryan, very highly.

[<k>]

Paget's effigy of King Edward VIII on pattern coins.

Humphrey Paget also created a portrait of Edward VIII during his brief reign in 1936.

Edward preferred Paget's portrait, of all that were shown to him.

It only ever appeared on patterns.

No circulating or commemorative coins were ever issued bearing Edward's portrait.

See also:  King Edward VIII: His Place in Numismatics.

[<k>]

UK, half penny, 1958.

Paget's half penny design of the mid-1930s depicts the Golden Hind.

This circulation coin was one of the legacies of Edward VIII's brief reign.

Edward had wanted to modernise the coinage.

[<k>]

Bolivia, 10 bolivianos, 1951.

Simón Bolívar.

[<k>]

UK, 25 pence, 1972.  Pattern.

Image © Spink & Son.

This pattern design by Humphrey Paget was produced both in brass (seen above) and in silver.

It was intended for the silver wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip.

However, it was not chosen for the issued commemorative coin.

[<k>]

UK, 5 pounds, 2017.  Gold.

A lifetime of service.

Image © Royal Mint.

This collector coin was issued in 2017, upon Prince Philip's retirement from royal duties.

Humphrey Paget's portrait from 1972 was eventually used, long after Mr. Paget's death.