Unveiling the First Official Effigy of King Charles III on a Coinage Collection Honouring Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
New coins featuring the portrait of King Charles have been revealed, with a 50p carrying his image entering general circulation within weeks.
The coins follow centuries of tradition with the monarch now facing left – the opposite way to his predecessor.
As with previous British kings, and unlike the Queen, he wears no crown.
King Charles personally approved the effigy, and was understood to be pleased with the likeness.
Today we are honoured to reveal the first official effigy of His Majesty King Charles III appearing for the first time on a memorial coin collection honouring the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
At The Royal Mint, we have struck coins for the British monarchy for more than 1,100 years, and it has been our pride and privilege to strike every United Kingdom coin of Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable 70-year reign. It is our honour to now strike the first UK effigy of His Majesty King Charles III on a coinage collection honouring the life and legacy of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
Designed by British sculptor Martin Jennings and personally approved by His Majesty The King, the first definitive coinage portrait of the monarch appears on each new coin in the collection. In line with royal and numismatic tradition, His Majesty’s portrait faces left. Coins bearing portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III will both circulate in change for years to come.
On 3 October 2022, we are honoured to be releasing a special collection of memorial coins to mark this poignant moment in British history. Featuring one of three reverse designs, each new coin in the collection features the official coinage portrait of King Charles III. The UK 50p coin will also enter general circulation.