King Charles’ face will now appear on new coins – but will contrast with Queen Elizabeth’s
King Charles III became monarch on September 8 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96. Now Charles is King, his face and effigy will begin to appear on British coins entering circulation.
The Royal Mint has confirmed that coins bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will enter circulation
The official maker of UK coins has confirmed that coins featuring the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III will enter circulation in Britain, replacing those of Queen Elizabeth II, which have been in circulation since 1952.
However, all UK coins that bear the effigy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and in active circulation.
Historically it has been commonplace for coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to co-circulate.
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This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental impact and cost.
Anne Jessopp, the Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint told Express.co.uk: “We are honoured to have struck each UK coin of Her Late Majesty’s reign, documenting her journey from young Queen to respected Head of State.
“As official coin makers to the UK, we have told the story of each monarch since Alfred the Great and are now preparing for the biggest change in British coinage for several decades.
“The first coins bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will enter circulation in line with demand from banks and post offices.
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“Controversially, Edward VIII planned to break this tradition (he reportedly preferred his left side).
“It seems unlikely that Charles would want to rock the boat in this way.”
A new coinage portrait of Charles will likely be unveiled now he is King, a different one from those used for previous commemorative coins issued when he was Prince of Wales.
The Chancellor will have to approve coinage portraits, but the new King will get the final sign-off.
