First Official King Charles III Coins Launched

The new official effigy of King Charles III is being featured for the first time on the obverse of the coins in the new collection honoring the late Queen Elizabeth. (All images courtesy of the Royal Mint).

On Sept. 8, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her effigy was seen on the currency of more than 15 countries. This, paired with her 70-year reign, brings a plethora of coins and bank notes to collect. Now, with her passing, there is a new era of coins on the horizon. Many have been waiting with anticipation for the first official coin featuring the new monarch.

The first reverse design in the new collection by the Royal Mint.

The Royal Mint has released a new coin collection honoring the late queen. The collection will be the first to feature King Charles III’s official coinage portrait, which was designed by sculptor Martin Jennings.

A tradition that dates back centuries to the reign of King Charles II states that each monarch should face the opposite of their predecessor. Queen Elizabeth II faced right on all her coinage, making the new effigy of King Charles III face left.

The second reverse design in the new collection.

The new coin collection has the common obverse of King Charles III, and three different reverse designs. The first is a portrait of the late queen in the center with ELIZABETH REGINA 1926-2022 along the outer field. All coins in this collection can be purchased in a range of precious metals.

The third and final reverse design in the new collection.

The second reverse design is on a £5 coin and honors the legacy of the late queen’s reign, with two portraits, one showing a younger Queen Elizabeth, and then an older Queen Elizabeth.

The final coin in the collection, a 50p coin, has the design for the 1953 coronation crown coin.

These coins were launched yesterday, Oct. 3, and will be available through the end of the year.

World Coin News StaffAuthor