King Charles coins now in circulation
Don’t be surprised if you find some coins bearing the portrait of King Charles from today as the new coins enter circulation in post offices across the UK.
The King’s portrait will first appear on a 50p, with the reverse, or “tails” side of the coin, commemorating the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
A total of 4.9 million 50p coins will enter circulation across 9,452 Post Office branches throughout December. Coins will be distributed as change when customers make purchases.
The Post Office’s Aldwych branch in central London, near to Clarence House, is among the locations getting the new coins.
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Rebecca Morgan, director of collector services at the Royal Mint, said: “Today marks a new era for UK coinage, with the effigy of King Charles III appearing on 50ps in circulation.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for coin collectors to add to their collections, or start one for the first time.
“We anticipate a new generation of coin collectors emerging, with people keeping a close eye on their change to try and spot a new 50p that bears the portrait of our new King.
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Some 9.6 million 50p coins will eventually enter circulation, in line with demand. The King’s effigy has been created by sculptor Martin Jennings and personally approved by Charles.
Nick Read, chief executive of the Post Office, commented: “It is a tremendous honour for the Post Office and for postmasters that the first coinage featuring King Charles III is being released into circulation via our extensive branch network.
“December is our busiest time of the year so the coin will be entering our network in a phased manner. If you don’t receive the new 50p in your change on your first visit to a post office you may well get it in your change in a subsequent visit, so keep a look out for it.”
In keeping with tradition, the King’s portrait faces to the left – in the opposite direction to the late Queen.
The reverse of the 50p features a design which originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown.
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It was struck to commemorate the Queen’s coronation at Westminster Abbey and includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield.
Between each shield is an emblem of the home nations: a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.
All UK coins bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and in active circulation.
Shop Royal Mint's commemorative coin collection
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin | £11 from The Royal Mint
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin | £14.50 from The Royal Mint
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022 UK 1oz Silver Proof Coin | £99.50 from The Royal Mint
50p Platinum Jubilee Uncirculated Coin | £7 from The Royal Mint
£5 Platinum Jubilee Uncirculated Coin | £10 from The Royal Mint
Watch: First King Charles coins go into production
