King Charles coins enter UK circulation

King Charles coins enter UK circulation

King Charles III's head faces left in new UK coins, in line with a tradition that the new monarch looks the opposite way to their predecessor
King Charles III's head faces left in new UK coins, in line with a tradition that the new monarch looks the opposite way to their predecessor. Photo: TOM HARRISON / Royal Mint/AFP/File
Source: AFP

The first coins bearing the likeness of Britain's King Charles III entered circulation Thursday, The Royal Mint announced.

The new 50 pence (60 US cent) piece features an effigy of Charles, who became king after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September.

The Royal Mint, official producer of UK banknotes and coins, is initially releasing 4.9 million of the coins via transactions made at the country's postal offices.

Millions more will eventually enter use, with Charles's head featuring on all denominations.

The effigy is the work of British sculptor Martin Jennings and was personally approved by the king.

Charles's head faces left, in line with a tradition that the new monarch looks the opposite way to their predecessor.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Read also

Elon Musk briefly loses top spot on Forbes billionaire list

The reverse side celebrates the life and legacy of Elizabeth, using the coin design for her coronation in 1953.

The coronation of Charles takes place on May 6.

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.