First King Charles III £1 Coins Are Out—And They’re Buzzing With Bees
Image via The Royal Mint
The UK has seen a clink of change, with the first £1 coins featuring the portrait of King Charles III officially entering circulation this week. Nearly three million of these coins have been distributed to post offices across the country, not only marking the new monarch’s reign but also reflecting his passion for the environment. The reverse side of the design features a pair of bees, whose species is at risk of extinction.
“The Royal Mint has made the circulating coinage of each of Britain’s monarchs since Alfred the Great and it is an honor to reveal that King Charles III’s £1 coin is now in circulation,” expresses Rebecca Morgan, the director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint. “We know there’ll be a buzz of excitement amongst collectors and the public to get this special piece of history in their change.”
As the buzzy new coins jingle their way into circulation, they’ll gradually replace those bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait, which will continue to be valid.
It’s part of a larger series of coins, from 1p to £2, each showcasing different flora and fauna that hold special significance in British ecology. Other artworks feature endangered species like the hazel dormouse, red squirrel, capercaillie, puffin, and atlantic salmon, all subjects of active conservation efforts.
Image via The Royal Mint
Notably, the value numbers of these coins have been enlarged to help children better understand money, while a unique pattern of interlocking C’s pays homage to the cypher of Charles II.
These new coins follow the release of banknotes featuring King Charles III’s portrait in June.
[via BBC, Evening Standard, Sky News, images via The Royal Mint]
