Special King Charles Coronation coins enter circulation

The Royal Mint has announced that a special 50p coin marking His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation will start to appear in circulation from today, Thursday, 10th August. 

The Royal Mint is issuing five million of the coins, with a design based on Westminster Abbey, where the Coronation was held in May.

The new King's coins will be outnumbered by 27 billion from the late Queen's reign, still in circulation.

5 million 50p coins struck to celebrate King Charles III’s #coronation will enter circulation through banks and @PostOffice branches from today. pic.twitter.com/yBqPhcJ9sl

— The Royal Mint (@RoyalMintUK) August 10, 2023

The reverse (tails) design of the new 50p features the iconic Westminster Abbey, in a nod to the location of His Majesty’s coronation. At the center of the design is The King’s official cypher, representing him at Westminster Abbey being crowned as King. The design was created by Royal Mint Designer Natasha Jenkins.

The obverse (heads) of the 50p will feature His Majesty’s official coin portrait and designed by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings as well as being personally approved by The King.

There has been no timetable announced yet for other new coins to be issued, although the first King Charles banknotes are expected to appear next year.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “We are delighted to announce that 5 million 50p coins produced to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation will enter circulation from today. This is a special moment for the nation, as members of the public will have the opportunity to find a piece of history in their change. We anticipate the coronation 50p coins will be highly sought after among coin collectors and members of the public keen to own a piece of British history.”

“The Royal Mint has had the honor of striking coins for every British monarch since Alfred the Great and we are proud to continue that long history with the introduction of His Majesty’s official coinage.”

In February 2023, Australia which is part of the British Commonwealth announced it will erase the British monarch from its banknotes and to not replace the image of the late Queen Elizabeth on its $5 note with her successor and son King Charles. This will mean no monarch would remain on Australia's paper currency for the first time since 1923.