New King Charles coin revealed

Images of the first coin designs to feature King Charles III's profile have been revealed.

Next month, the Royal Mint is releasing a range of memorial coins to mark the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at the Royal Mint told the PA News agency: “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.”

King Charles III's effigy was created by sculptor Martin Jennings and the monarch has given his personal approval of the design.

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.”

In keeping with tradition, Charles effigy faces to the left - the opposite direction to the late Queen. 

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.”

Chris Barker from the Royal Mint Museum told PA: “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.”

All UK coins bearing the effigy of 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, helping to minimise the environmental impact and cost.

There are around 27 billion coins currently circulating in the UK bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for additional coins.