The Royal Mint, the official maker of UK coins, has confirmed that coins featuring the portrait of King Charles III will enter circulation in Britain.
All UK coins bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II will also remain legal tender and in active circulation. The Mint said that historically, it has been commonplace for coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to co-circulate. This ensures a smooth transition with minimal environmental impact and cost, the Mint added.
“We are honoured to have struck each UK coin of Her Late Majesty’s reign, documenting her journey from young Queen to respected Head of State,” said the Mint’s chief executive officer, Anne Jessopp. “As official coin maker to the UK, we have told the story of each monarch since Alfred the Great and are now preparing for the biggest change in British coinage for several decades.”
Jessopp added: “The first coins bearing the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will enter circulation in line with demand from banks and post offices. This means the coinage of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II will co-circulate in the UK for many years to come.”
There are approximately 27 billion coins currently circulating in the UK bearing the effigy of the queen, who died on Sept. 8. The Mint said these coins will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet the demand for additional coins.
The Royal Mint said it will unveil further details about the coinage of King Charles III over the coming weeks.