New coins featuring the portrait of King Charles have been revealed.
The new 50p coin and a commemorative £5 coin feature an image of the King by British sculptor Martin Jennings.
Just like former British kings, and unlike the Queen, King Charles III isn’t wearing a crown on the coins.
According to reports, King Charles III is understood to have approved the coins and is pleased with the likeness of the portrait.
New coins featuring King Charles III unveiled
The 50p coin will be put into circulation before the end of the year and will be distributed by banks, building societies and post offices.
There are currently 27 billion coins featuring the late Queen still in circulation which will continue to be legal tender.
Anne Jessopp, chief executive of The Royal Mint, told the BBC that coins generally lasted for 20 years. As a result, coins featuring the Queen and King Charles III will be in circulation together for some time.
“People should not worry if they have coins with the Queen on. We will keep those coins in circulation,” Mrs Jessopp told the BBC. “We are seeing people moving to different forms of payment, but people really like to use coins as well for lots of different reasons.”
Sculptor Mr Jennings added: “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.”
A commemorative £5 coin has also been created that features two new portraits of the late monarch on the back.
The Latin inscription surrounding the effigy reads: “:: CHARLES III :: D :: G :: REX :: F :: D :: 5 POUNDS :: 2022” which translates to: “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith.”
Chris Barker, from the Royal Mint Museum, described the portrait as “dignified and graceful”.
He told Sky News: “I think if you look back on some of the portraits of Elizabeth – particularly her first portrait by Mary Gillick – it was much more idealised.
“This one is much more of the man himself, of the individual, you see the lines in his face, the years of experience, and that humanity coming across.”
What do fans think?
Opinion on the new coins has already been divided.
One disappointed royal fan tweeted: “Oh dear… that’s not good, is it. Was there a Blue Peter competition?”
“My Goodness he looks like he’s seen a Ghost…. he might make my grocery shopping disappear,” said a second.
Another wrote: “That looks awful – sorry but it does. The queens side portrait was cute, this looks wrong!”
However, another complimented the design, saying: “A great design. Will miss the Queen though.”
Meanwhile, a second added: “I am amazed that the new King’s portrait has been produced so soon.”
One tweeted: “It’s a pretty nice design and really suits the King. Really impressive.”
When will his coronation be?
Meanwhile, the King is currently in the midst of planning his coronation.
It’s been claimed that Charles could decide to hold the event on a day to mark the memory of his mother.
The Queen’s coronation took place on June 2 1953.
As a result, it’s thought Charles could decide to be crowned on the anniversary next year.
However, it’s thought that Charles will be keeping an eye on the budget.
One royal source told the Mirror Charles is “very aware” Brits are currently facing a cost of living criss and his coronation will reflect this.
The insider explained: “He has already spoken of his wish to continue his mother’s legacy. This includes continuing to recognise what the people are experiencing day by day.
“The King has long been an advocate of a streamlined or slimmed-down monarchy and this project could certainly be said to fit with his vision.”
Read more: Queen and Philip’s finathe l resting place and marble inscription revealed
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