The portrait of King Charles III, the image for future coins featuring his likeness, was released on Friday by the Royal Mint, which is responsible for producing British coins.
The portrait will appear on two coins in a special series celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II: one for 5 pounds and the other for 50 pence. They will go into circulation “in the coming months”, probably in December, the Royal Mint said in a press release.
The official portrait that will adorn future coins bearing the likeness of Charles III, the work of sculptor Martin Jennings, was designed from a photograph and approved by the king.
“It’s the smallest work I’ve ever made,” he comments, adding that he’s “touched by the fact that it’s seen and treated by so many people.”
“Traditionally, the portrait adorning coins currently in circulation has featured the King’s portrait to the left, opposite that of Queen Elizabeth II,” notes the Royal Mint.
Coins bearing the king’s effigy bear the inscription “Charles III” in Latin. D. G. REX. F. D. 5 pounds 2022″, or “King Charles III, by the grace of God, Defender of the Faith” – one of the sovereign’s titles.
The obverse of the £5 commemorative coin will feature two new portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by artist John Bergk in collaboration with the Royal Mint.
“All British coins like Elizabeth II are legal tender and in circulation. It is historically common for coins featuring different monarchs to be in circulation at the same time”, notes the Royal Mint, which “has featured portraits of the royal family on coins for over 1,100 years”.
The organization notes that there are currently 27 billion coins bearing Elizabeth II’s image in the United Kingdom, which will be replaced over time as they become damaged.
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