The Royal Mint has unveiled the coin effigy of King Charles III. The King's image will begin appearing on the back of coins from around December with 50p coins displaying his visage entering circulation to meet demand.
Meanwhile, the Mint will release a memorial coin range on Monday, October 3 at 9am to commemorate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. The King's face will first begin to appear on a special £5 Crown and 50p in commemoration of the Queen.
In keeping with Royal tradition, the King's portrait will face to the left - the opposite direction to his mother and predecessor Queen Elizabeth. It was created by sculptor Martin Jennings and has been personally approved by Charles, according to the Mint.
Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at the Royal Mint said: “We expect customers will start to be able to receive the commemorative range from October and then we expect the 50p memorial circulating coin to be appearing in people’s change probably from December.”
Chris Barker from the Royal Mint Museum said: "Charles has followed that general tradition that we have in British coinage, going all the way back to Charles II actually, that the monarch faces in the opposite direction to their predecessor.”
He described the portrait as: “Dignified and graceful, which reflects his years of service.”
The Latin inscription surrounding the effigy reads: “• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022” which translates to: “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”.
The reverse of the commemorative £5 coin will feature two new portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. It was designed by artist John Bergdahl in collaboration with the Royal Mint and will form part of a wider memorial coin 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.
“To ensure everyone can hold a piece of history in their hand, the 50p will also enter circulation in the UK.”
Mr Jennings said: “It is a privilege to sculpt the first official effigy of His Majesty and to receive his personal approval for the design. The portrait was sculpted from a photograph of the King, and was inspired by the iconic effigies that have graced Britain’s coins over the centuries.
“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.”
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.”
There are currently around 27 billion coins circulating in the UK displaying the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
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