The Royal Mint has announced that King Charles III’s first £1 coin will enter circulation this week, along with other denominations from 1p to £2.
Eight new coin designs include species such as the British Bee, the Hazel Dormouse, the Puffin and the Atlantic Salmon – all of which are part of active conservation efforts.
The British Bees £1 coin is being distributed to UK Post Offices and banks, with 2.975 million coins set to enter tills nationwide.
Unveiled in October 2023, these designs reflect King Charles III’s commitment to conservation. The coin values have also been enlarged to help children better understand money.
The eight new designs are as follows: the 5p coin features an Oak Tree Leaf, the 10p coin depicts a Capercaillie, the 20p coin shows a Puffin, the 50p coin portrays an Atlantic Salmon, the £1 coin highlights the British Bee and the £2 coin represents National Flowers.
According to a poll by The Royal Mint, the £1 coin emerged as the favourite among the eight new designs, with the 2p coin depicting the Red Squirrel following closely in second place. Nearly 3,000 votes were cast, and the £1 coin led with nearly 30% of the total votes.
A distinctive repeating pattern of three interlocking C’s unifies the new coins, inspired by the cypher of Charles II. This historical influence is combined with contemporary depictions of flora and fauna, underscoring a commitment to the natural world.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint has made the circulating coinage of each of Britain’s monarchs since Alfred the Great and it is an honour to reveal that King Charles III’s £1 coin is now in circulation.
“We know there’ll be a buzz of excitement amongst collectors and the public to get this special piece of history in their change. We hope the designs across all denominations spark important conversations about the conservation of these important species.”
Earlier this year, the Bank of England confirmed that banknotes bearing the likeness of King Charles III entered circulation on 5 June 2024, with the King appearing on all four paper banknotes – the £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations.
