The first coins bearing the image of Charles III, who became king following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, enter circulation in the United Kingdom on Thursday, according to an official press release.
The new coins worth 50 pence (nearly 58 cents) are appearing in post offices across the country, “which will receive 4.9 million”, said Royal Mint, the body responsible for to mint UK currency.
The official portrait that appears on these coins, the work of sculptor Martin Jennings, was unveiled at the end of September. It was designed from a photo and approved by the king.
As tradition dictates, the face of the new king is turned in the opposite direction of the monarch who preceded him. Charles is therefore looking to the left, while the image of Queen Elizabeth II is facing to the right.
On the back of the coins is a motif commemorating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, representing the royal coat of arms and the emblems of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom, and which already appeared on coins minted at the time. The coronation of Charles III will take place on May 6.
In all, 9.6 million new coins will initially come into circulation. Some 27 billion coins are currently in circulation in the UK, bearing the face of the late Elizabeth II: they will remain valid and will only be replaced when damaged or worn.
The first banknotes bearing the image of the new king will enter circulation in mid-2024, also gradually replacing those bearing the portrait of Elizabeth II when they are damaged.