How the UK’s new coins will look
We’re used to seeing our beloved late Queen’s portrait whenever we pull out a handful of change.
Now, with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of His Majesty King Charles III to the throne, the coins that we use every day are changing.
- Buy the official 2023-dated New Coinage Set in official packaging -
As we welcome a new Carolean era for the monarchy, we’re about to see the biggest transformation to the money in our pockets since decimalisation in 1971.
All eight coins, from the 1p to the £2, will have new illustrations of flora and fauna representing the UK’s natural beauty and conservation mission. The King’s portrait will be on the front of each denomination – in many cases for the first time.
Now, you have the opportunity to – some of the very first coins to be struck by The Royal Mint.
To signify this, they will feature the “King’s Privy Mark”. This special crown mark singles your unique coins out as being the collector’s choice because coins you’ll find in your change will not have this privy mark.
You can – and at the official Royal Mint price.
King Charles’s love of the environment and wildlife is well known, so the coins reflect both our national heritage and a cause close to his heart.
Ever since 1970, when he was a young man of 21, the King has spoken out on environmental issues.
He once said, "I happily talk to the plants and trees, and listen to them. I think it's absolutely crucial.”
He has approved all eight designs.
It seems fitting that the tiny hazel dormouse should kick off the collection on the 1p coin.
UK dormouse populations have halved since 2007 and more than 1,000 have had to be reintroduced across the UK to boost their numbers.
The red squirrel is a perfect complement to the copper hue of the new 2p coin.
Vastly outnumbered by its feisty grey cousin, conservation efforts to save the UK’s red squirrels are underway.
The 5p coin features the leaf of the oak tree, which supports more wildlife than any other of our native trees.
Kings and emperors have worn crowns of oak leaves since ancient times, meaning there is a strong link with monarchy.
Could you name the world’s largest grouse? If you’re at a loss, you’ll find it depicted on the 10p coin.
The capercaillie is native to a small area of Scotland and was brought back from extinction in the mid-18th century – but is endangered once again.
Puffins – the star of the 20p – are unmistakable and a joy to see along the UK’s coastline. Protecting the seabird’s nesting sites is key.
The Atlantic salmon is a priority conservation species that features on the 50p coin.
Its numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss, overfishing, river pollution and changes in climate temperature.
The £1 features the not-so-humble bumble bee.
There are more than 250 species of bee in Britain and they are a vital part of our ecosystem – in fact, one in every three mouthfuls of our food depends on bees as pollinators.
The £2 features flowers from the four nations – an English rose, a Welsh daffodil, a Scottish thistle and a shamrock for Northern Ireland.
Inscribed around the edge is “In servitio omnium”, Latin for “In the service of all”, taken with his blessing from the King’s inaugural speech on September 9, 2022.
Each coin has been created with the support of the Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Now is your chance to own a part of history with the , as our coins change forever.
Now is your chance to own a part of history.
Own a limited edition set of the new King Charles III coins, featuring eight brand new wildlife designs, before they are released into circulation.
To buy your King Charles III 2023 UK Brilliant Uncirculated New Coinage set, for £34.