United Kingdom: King Charles coins enter circulation.

The first coins featuring Charles III, who became king after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, will go into circulation this Thursday in the United Kingdom. These new coins, featuring the official portrait of the new king by sculptor Martin Jennings, were unveiled at the end of September. Worth 50 pence, or about 58 euro cents, they will be in post offices across the country, “which will receive 4.9 million,” according to the Royal Mint, the body responsible for minting British currency.

By tradition, the face of the new king is turned in the direction opposite to the monarch who preceded him. Thus, Charles is looking to the left, and the image of Queen Elizabeth II is looking to the right. The reverse of the coins depicts the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, featuring the royal coat of arms and the coats of arms of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom.

Thus, 9.6 million new coins will be released initially, and in the United Kingdom there are currently about 27 billion coins in circulation with the image of Elizabeth II. These parts will remain valid and will only be replaced if damaged or worn.

The first one with the effigy of Charles must wait. They will go into circulation in mid-2024. There, too, they will gradually replace those with a portrait of Elizabeth II when they are damaged.