The Royal Mint Unveiled Its First Coins Featuring King Charles III

Following Queen Elizabeth's death, another change is coming to the United Kingdom. The Royal Mint has introduced the first coins featuring the newly appointed King Charles III, who ascended the throne on September 8. The effigy will appear on both 50 pence and 5 pound coins.

"Today we are honored to reveal the first official effigy of His Majesty King Charles III appearing for the first time on a memorial coin collection honoring the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II," the Royal Mint said on its website.

Britain's Royal Mint has been making coins for the British monarchy for more than 1,100 years. The coin making company has struck every United Kingdom coin of Queen Elizabeth during her historic 70 years on the throne.

The design depicting His Majesty was created by British sculptor Martin Jennings and personally approved by King Charles himself. Following tradition, the monarch's portrait shows him looking to the left. At the bottom of the coin is a Latin inscription that translates to "King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith," the Associated Press reports.

In addition to the effigy featuring the king, the 5 pound coin will also feature a double portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the reverse side. "On 3 October 2022, we are honored to be releasing a special collection of memorial coins to mark this poignant moment in British history," the Royal Mint said. "Coins bearing portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III will both circulate in change for years to come."