Images of the first coin designs to feature King Charles III’s profile have been revealed, personally approved by King Charles who was understood to be pleased with the likeness.
The Royal Mint has shared several new first-look images showing a 50p piece and a £5 Crown which include an image of the King by British sculptor Martin Jennings.
Jennings said: “It is a privilege to sculpt the first official effigy of His Majesty and to receive his personal approval for the design.
“The portrait was sculpted from a photograph of the King, and was inspired by the iconic effigies that have graced Britain’s coins over the centuries.
“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.”
The coins follow centuries of tradition with the monarch now facing left – the opposite way to his predecessor, and as with previous British kings, and unlike the Queen, he wears no crown.
Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at the Royal Mint told the PA News agency: “We expect customers will start to be able to receive the commemorative range from October and then we expect the 50p memorial circulating coin to be appearing in people’s change probably from December.”
Next month, the Royal Mint is releasing a range of memorial coins to mark the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Image source: BBC
