The first coins bearing the image of Charles III, who became king after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, will enter circulation in the United Kingdom on Thursday, according to an official press release.
The new 50 pence (almost 58 pence) coins are appearing at post offices across the country, “which will receive 4.9 million,” said the Royal Mint, the organization in charge of minting the UK coin.
The official portrait that appears in these pieces, the work of sculptor Martin Jennings, was unveiled at the end of September. It was designed from a photo and approved by the king.
Almost 10 million coins put into circulation
As tradition dictates, the face of the new king is turned in the opposite direction of the monarch who preceded him. Therefore, Charles faces to the left, while the image of Queen Elizabeth II faces to the right.
On the reverse of the coins is a commemorative motif of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, which represents 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 in that era. The coronation of Carlos III will take place on May 6.
In total, 9.6 million new coins will initially enter 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 with the image of the new King will come into circulation in mid-2024, also gradually replacing those with the portrait of Elizabeth II when they are damaged.
Source: BFM TV
