Queen Elizabeth's iconic signature featured on coins for the first time, celebrating Platinum Jubilee

For the first time in its history the Royal Mint has issued a coin featuring the signature of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Elizabeth R signature, which has been reproduced on cards and official documents for decades, is engraved on a £5 coin celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The designer of the coin said "nothing else is needed to explain who that is".

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The new collection from the Royal Mint includes three designs: one focusing on the Queen's awards and honours, another highlights the monarch's work with charities and the third celebrates the Commonwealth.

The Royal Mint said the trio of coins paid tribute to Her Majesty's "commitment to the Commonwealth, patronage and charitable work" during her historic 70-year reign.

"This year marks a truly special moment in royal history – Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee," Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at the Royal Mint said.

Irish artist and illustrator PJ Lynch said he was inspired by the Queen's hands and the work they represent for his design on the coins.

"I began thinking about how her hands are such an important thing – she is always shaking hands, using them to carry out symbolic tasks like presenting awards, planting trees or unveiling plaques," he said.

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"It is how she communicates with hundreds, if not thousands, of people at once.

"It led me to consider her signature, which is so symbolic, an instrument of state when she signs official documents, but also her personal promise and commitment.

"It is ironic, yet understated: Elizabeth R. Nothing else is needed to explain who that is, it stands for so much on its own."

The collection can be bought from the Royal Mint's website, with prices starting from $22 to $4900 for a gold proof version.