UK’s Royal Mint Introduces New Official Coins Under King Charles III’s Reign

The death of Queen Elizabeth II has propelled much change for the United Kingdom, among which is new currency to acknowledge King Charles III as new sovereign. 
 
The Royal Mint, which oversees the production of the UK’s coins, is now giving a first look into the new financial symbol under the King’s reign.

Following the stylings of past monarchs, the £5 pound and 50-pence coins present the king’s side profile, without a crown. It’s a tradition that royal successors’ faces on UK tender are turned toward the alternate direction of their predecessors. So Charles is facing left, as opposed to Elizabeth’s right.

Sculptor Martin Jennings created the king’s likeness by first studying several photographs of the British royal, according to the Royal Mint. Then, he took to producing the first iteration of the effigy on a slate of plaster much larger than a coin.

The final design was digitized and passed to the new monarch for approval.

Around the edge of the currency, the words “CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022,” which stands for “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith,” will be placed. 
 
The portrait will be used on all coins from one penny to £2 starting next year. And beginning next week, collectors can pick up a set, while its inception to the public will happen later this year. 
 
The late Queen’s likeness will continue to appear on legal tender in the UK, and other Commonwealth nations like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and will naturally phase out over time. Until then, Queen Elizabeth II coins and banknotes will remain valid, and will be usable alongside tender fronted by her son and successor.
 
 
 
[via The Times and CNBC, images via Royal Mint]