All British coins having the image of Queen Elizabeth II will continue to be a legal currency, and coins bearing the image of the next monarch will circulate alongside those of his mother.
Beginning in December, coins depicting a portrait of King Charles III will progressively enter circulation.
According to the Royal Mint, his image will first appear on 50p coins, and in keeping with tradition, the King’s portrait will face the opposite direction of the Queen’s.
A commemorative £5 coin featuring two new pictures of the late monarch has also been made.
According to the Royal Mint’s senior commercial officer, Nicola Howell, King Charles collaborated closely with sculptor Martin Jennings and personally approved the effigy.
This was done “to ensure that the end of Her Majesty’s reign was handled flawlessly and respectfully, and to announce the beginning of the reign of a new king.”
The effigy is surrounded by the Latin inscription “:: CHARLES III:: D:: G:: REX:: F:: D:: 5 POUNDS:: 2022,” which translates as “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith.”
The effigy could be perceived as less royal and gentler than those of prior rulers.
His humanity is evident.
The Royal Mint Museum’s Chris Barker characterized the picture as “dignified and graceful, reflecting his years of service.”
He continued, “I believe that some of Elizabeth’s portraits, particularly her first portrait by Mary Gillick, were far more idealized.
You can see the lines on his face, his years of experience, and his humanity in this piece.
When will coins be introduced?
The obverse of the commemorative £5 coin has two new pictures of the late Queen Elizabeth II, a younger and an older figure.
The design was developed in conjunction with the Royal Mint by the artist John Bergdahl.
It will be part of a larger series of memorial coins.
Ms. Howell stated, “We anticipate that clients will begin to get the commemorative range in October and that the 50p commemorative circulating currency will begin to circulate in December.”
The design on the reverse of the 50p coin first appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown.
It was struck to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey and depicts the four quarters of the Royal Arms within a shield.
Between each shield is a national emblem: a rose, thistle, shamrock, and leek, respectively.
All British coins having the image of Queen Elizabeth II will continue to be a legal currency, and coins bearing the image of the next monarch will circulate alongside those of his mother.
Historically, it was normal for coins with effigies of multiple monarchs to co-circulate, thereby reducing environmental effects and costs.
There are over 27 billion coins in circulation in the United Kingdom that depict Queen Elizabeth II. They will be replaced as they become damaged or worn and as additional coins are demanded.
