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Masters of Coin Design: Jody Clark
By GovMint:
Earning international acclaim for his notable coin designs, Jody Clark has left an undeniable mark on the world. Clark’s artwork is featured in many series that current collectors seek to obtain. Regarding modern minting, coin designer Jody Clark has earned his spot as a revered coin artist for his skillful renditions and rich details. Discover more about Jody Clark coins and his contribution to numismatics.
Who Is Jody Clark?
After graduating from the University of Central Lancashire, Jody Clark started his career in packaging design. After realizing he performed his best work when having a brief to work towards, he took his 3D art skills to currency illustration, joining The Royal Mint in 2012 as a coin designer. While at The Royal Mint, he worked directly with The Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) to craft new coin designs according to the briefs provided. Clark worked on designs for both circulating and commemorative coins.
While he started working on coin designs in 2012, he gained fame in 2015 after being selected in an anonymous design competition to craft the official coin effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Not only was this portrait featured on over two million minted UK coins, but this cemented Jody Clark as the youngest coin artist to create a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. When asked about this achievement, Clark said, “I couldn’t believe it. It’s definitely my proudest career achievement, it was a huge honor and it feels even more poignant now.”
The Legacy of The Royal Mint
With its very first minting in 880, The Royal Mint has been a long-established institution in European history. From the first coin featuring Alfred the Great, a tradition of showcasing leaders and monarchs has lived through the centuries. Over the years, The Royal Mint has expanded into multiple overseas branches. Taking their quality to the next level, The Royal Mint established the RMAC in 1922 to improve medallic art.
Today, Britain commissions more than 50 new coin designs every year. While artists such as Jody Clark can join The Royal Mint in official design positions, others are also welcome to work as freelancers by submitting one-off designs for individual briefs. The Royal Mint seeks to work with resident artists who maintain active online portfolios. No previous coin art experience is required.
History of the Commonwealth Mint
The Commonwealth Mint & Philatelic Bureau LTD is a private mint that produces and supplies both currency and commemorative coins in Britain. The Commonwealth Mint is a highly regarded coin-producing organization due to its quick turnaround times, competitive pricing, and experienced staff. This mint is known for its quality of work and has produced Jody Clark coins and other memorable designs, such as the 12-sided sovereign and the Monuments by Moonlight collection.
After concluding his work with The Royal Mint in 2020, coin designer Jody Clark officially joined the Commonwealth Mint as the head of design. He has also developed exclusive designs for Hattons of London, a partner of the Commonwealth Mint. Clark cites his recent design of King Charles III's effigy as his most notable design since working with the Commonwealth Mint.
Notable Coin Designs from Jody Clark
Today, several Jody Clark coins, sovereigns, and medals have been minted. While Clark has worked on many collections, his work is recognizable for his ability to embody prominent figures and national sentiments. Take a look through some of Clark’s most notable coin designs.
The Royal Dutch Mint Lion Dollar Proofs (2025)
In honor of the 450th anniversary of the Royal Dutch Mint’s Lion Dollar, Jody Clark remastered its historic designs on limited edition proof coins that see the iconic trade dollar issued as legal tender (Ascension Islands legal tender) for the first time since it circulated in the American colonies. Mr. Clark was given the exciting opportunity to strike a few gold coins at the official First Strike Ceremony, which will be available with an extra special NGC designation.
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Commonwealth Mint Helmeted Liberty Proof Coins (2024)
On the 2024 Helmeted Liberty Proof coins issued by the Commonwealth Mint, Jody Clark brings his distinctive artistry to this reimagined version of the classic American Mercury Dime design on silver and gold proof coins. His modern interpretation replaces the iconic Phrygian cap with an intricately detailed military-style helmet, reflecting meticulous craftsmanship down to individual strands of Liberty’s hair. This level of detail and dedication to the craft is sure to be appreciated by coin collectors and art enthusiasts.
Commonwealth Mint Bald Eagle UHR Proof Coin (2024)
Clark also designed the Commonwealth Mint's 2024 Gold and Silver Bald Eagle Proofs. Inspired by historic design, he modernized America's official national bird with intricate details and symbology. The eagle is seen holding arrows that represent strength and authority. Displaying true artistry, he used a mix of frosted and mirrored finishes to increase the level of depth and movement.
Commonwealth Mint Modern Masters Jody Clark Proof (2022)
The Commonwealth Mint's 2022 Ascension Islands Modern Masters Proof coin is a stunning tribute to artistic excellence, brought to life by the exceptional talent of Jody Clark. Clark breathes dynamic energy into the iconic Saint George and the Dragon design. His masterful interpretation of the iconic captures the intense moment of battle, with intricate details showcasing the fierce dragon and Saint George's poised determination.
Commonwealth Mint Portrait of King Charles III (2023 -)
Continuing his portfolio of high-quality work as a coin designer, Clark has also created the portrait of King Charles III that appears on Commonwealth Mint issued coins. In this portrait, His Majesty King Charles III is shown with a soft expression, gazing stoically to the left. His Majesty’s portrait is featured on the obverse side of each coin in the series.
The Royal Mint Queen’s Beasts Series (2016 to 2021)
Though Jody Clark is most well known for his portrait coin designs, he has also crafted the reverse side for the entire The Royal Mint's Queen’s Beasts series. Each coin in the series represents a statue outside of Westminster Abbey, built for Her Majesty’s coronation.
The very first coin released as part of the Queen’s Beasts series in 2016, featured the Lion of England. Subsequent designs featured Griffin of Edward III, Red Dragon of Wales, Black Bull of Clarence, the Unicorn of Scotlan, the Yale of Beaufort, the Falcon of the Plantagenets, the White Lion of Mortimer, the White Horse of Hanover, and the White Greyhound of Richmond.
The Royal Mint Fifth British Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (2015-2023)
To be selected as the official portrait artist for the King or Queen of England is the highest honor for a coin designer. As such, Clark provided the utmost attention to detail in his rendering of Queen Elizabeth II. Unveiled in 2015, this portrait reflects a mature Queen Elizabeth II as she entered her role as great-grandmother. She is wearing the same diamond diadem she wore at her coronation and gracing us with a hint of a smile. Her Majesty personally approved this image, and most impressively, this portrait was created without an official sitting.
The Royal Mint Britannia Proof Coin (2014)
The Britannia series has been running since 1987. In 2014, Coin designer Jody Clark worked on the 11th proof iteration of the series. He first illustrated small thumbnail sketches of different elements and experimented with form and placement. Ultimately, he wanted to reflect a powerful woman, the personification of the British Isles, standing beside a lion. This work pulls inspiration from another coin design, Una and the Lion.
Masters of Coin Design at GovMint
Both avid numismatists and casual citizens of the UK have encountered Jody Clark coins. While his notable work designing the official effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III will cement him as a highly regarded coin designer, his other coin art is equally impressive.
To learn more about other decorated coin designers, including Beth Zaiken, Natanya Van Niekerk, Emily Damstra, Susan Taylor, and Michael Gaudioso, visit GovMint's ongoing Masters of Coin Design series.
References
About Jody Clark
https://jodyclark.com/about-me/
The Royal Mint
https://www.royalmint.com/careers/coin-design/
The Commonwealth Mint
https://www.thecommonwealthmint.co.uk/about-us/
Jody Clark Coin Designs
https://jodyclark.com/category/coin-work/
https://www.royalmint.com/stories/collect/Queens-Beasts-Meet-the-Designer/
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