British and European Coins

[Helenoran462]

Hello again... I'm still working on the same project, but because I'm self-editing (along with a few health issues slowing me down) it's taking me MUCH longer than I anticipated!

My issue now is one I never realised would be a problem. I'm planning on using photo montages as illustrations in my novel, and these will include the Rider Waite tarot cards (now free and clear!) but I've since stumbled upon another problem... coins.

My main character has a cache of coins she's collected, and plays shop with. I was hoping to have these scattered about in my montages along with the cards... all are pre-1980, mainly British except for one French franc and a Greek coin dating from 1973 when the junta were in power. If I have to leave out the British coins then I'll just have to live with it (I've looked at the Royal Mint pages on copywrite, and I don't know if it's worth contacting them or not) but the Greek coin is important. It plays a part in the story, because it's got Pegasus on the front... I've even done a painting of it to go on the cover!

Since it's pre-Euro, does this make things easier? I've tried doing searches on coin copyright, but I'm getting vague websites with info which only seems to pertain to eBay coin sellers and are no help at all. I guess because in the past I've seen ads with coins in them, I never thought it would be an issue. (Just as an example... a quick Google found this one.) Maybe they didn't bother to get permission? Thanks!

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1188/ ... 1629310609

[AndyJ]

Hi Helenoran,

I think the main issue with coins is about preventingt forgery of the real physical object, rather than copyright per se. Since the Greek drachma and French franc coins are no longer legal tender you should be OK with them. You have probably seen this statement from the Royal Mint on British decimal coinage:

Copyright for designs and images of United Kingdom decimal coins subsists in the Crown. Authority has been delegated by the Crown to the Royal Mint. The Royal Mint is responsible for authorising the use of coinage design and the reproduction of images of UK coins.

All individuals and businesses requesting the use of coin/TRM IP should meet the criteria set out below:

Alignment with The Royal Mint Company Values
The coin will be reproduced in a faithful likeness and shown in good taste
The coin will not be defaced or broken up
There is no conflict with The Royal Mint product or services
Artwork will be provided for final approval if requested by TRM

By implication they are not claiming copyright on earlier pre-decimal coins so I think you should be safe using images of those without needing permission. That said I would be very surprised if you encountered any problems if you did decide to ask for permission. I assume you will be using your own photographs/paintings of all of the coins so that resolves the issue of other people's copyright in photographs.

[Helenoran462]

That's great Andy, thanks so much!

I did wonder since they aren't legal tender any more, and yes... all my own photos.
I thought it was best to double-check with you.