Royal Mint releases first official coins featuring King Charles III
The Royal Mint has unveiled the official coin effigy of King Charles III, which will go out in circulation from December.
Created by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings, the King's portrait will appear on a £5 coin and a 50 pence commemorating the life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In keeping with tradition, the King's portrait faces to the left, the opposite direction to Queen Elizabeth II. The Latin inscription surrounding the effigy reads: "• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022." This translates to "King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith".
On the reverse of the commemorative £5 coin are two new portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. Designed by artist John Bergdahl in collaboration with The Royal Mint, this coin forms part of a wider memorial coin collection.
Meanwhile, the reverse of the 50 pence coin features a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown. It includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield. In between each shield is an emblem of the home nations; a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.
"The Royal Mint has been trusted to make coins bearing the Monarch's effigy for over 1,100 years and we are proud to continue this tradition into the reign of King Charles III," Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint, said.
"Although technology has progressed, we continue to honour British craftsmanship passed down through the centuries. Our team of skilled modellers, tool makers and engravers will ensure that The King's effigy will be faithfully replicated onto millions of coins.
"Her Late Majesty ruled with heart and devotion for seventy years, and this memorial collection commemorates her remarkable legacy as Britain's longest serving monarch. To ensure everyone can hold a piece of history in their hand, the 50p will also enter circulation in the UK."
Martin Jennings, who designed the coins, said: "It is a privilege to sculpt the first official effigy of His Majesty and to receive his personal approval for the design. The portrait was sculpted from a photograph of The King, and was inspired by the iconic effigies that have graced Britain's coins over the centuries. It is the smallest work I have created, but it is humbling to know it will be seen and held by people around the world for centuries to come."
The Royal Mint will release the memorial coin range to commemorate the life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 3rd October at 9am UK time, via royalmint.com.
You Might Also Like
