The process of choosing the new designs to replace the familiar heraldic emblems on Britain’s circulating coins began with a public competition.  The comeptition generated more than 4,000 designs from over 500 people - the largest response to any public competition organised to change the British coinage.

Specially invited artists, Royal Mint engravers and artists from other European countries vied with people of all ages and sections of society. The brief allowed those taking part a free hand to prepare ‘a coherent series of designs’ and while they were encouraged to explore heraldic emblems and motifs, the door was left open for other ways in which to symbolise Britain.