The UK’s new coin design featuring King Charles III has been unveiled by the Royal Mint.
The coin features the King’s effigy, created by sculptor Martin Jennings and personally approved by Charles himself, which faces in the opposite direction to the Queen’s portrait on the coinage in keeping with tradition. The Latin inscription surrounding the effigy reads: “• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D” followed by the coin’s value and year, which translates to: “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”.
The new design will begin to appear on both circulating and special commemorative coins in the coming months, with people expected to see the King’s image in their change from around December as a 50p memorial coin gradually enters circulation to meet demand. Ahead of this a memorial coin range will be released by the Royal Mint on October 3, commemorating the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
READ MORE: King Charles III's Royal Cypher monogram is released - and what 'CR' means
The memorial range includes the 50p depicting the King, the reverse of which features a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown, and a commemorative £5 coin featuring two new portraits of the Queen on its reverse side. The coins will form part of a wider memorial collection.
Anne Jessopp, chief executive officer of the Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint has been trusted to make coins bearing the monarch’s effigy for over 1,100 years and we are proud to continue this tradition into the reign of King Charles III. Although technology has progressed, we continue to honour British craftsmanship passed down through the centuries.
“Our team of skilled modellers, tool makers and engravers will ensure that the King’s effigy will be faithfully replicated onto millions of coins. Her Late Majesty ruled with heart and devotion for 70 years, and this memorial collection commemorates her remarkable legacy as Britain’s longest-serving monarch.”
Ms Jessopp added: “To ensure everyone can hold a piece of history in their hand, the 50p will also enter circulation in the UK.”
Sculptor Alan Jennings said that it was a “privilege” to produce King Charles’ first effigy, which was sculpted from a photograph. “It is the smallest work I have created, but it is humbling to know it will be seen and held by people around the world for centuries to come,” he said.
Coins featuring the Queen will remain in circulation as legal tender as the new Charles coinage is introduced, and the two designs will continue to co-circulate for some time in order to minimise the environmental impact and cost. There are around 27 billion coins currently in circulation in the UK bearing the portrait of the Queen.
Dr Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said: “Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has graced more coins than any other British monarch in a reign that lasted for 70 years. As we move from the Elizabethan to the Carolean era it represents the biggest change to Britain’s coinage in decades, and the first time that many people will have seen a different effigy.
“Over the coming years it will become common for people to find coins bearing His Majesty and Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy in their change, engaging new generations in the story of Britain’s Royal Family,” Dr Clancy added.
READ NEXT:
Queen Elizabeth II died from ‘old age’ three hours before announcement, death certificate confirms
When is King Charles' coronation? Queen's son not 'likely' to be crowned until next year
First picture of Queen’s ledger stone released ahead of St George’s Chapel opening to public
Queen Elizabeth II's reign comes to an end with crown removal and wand breaking ritual
