The Royal Mint will produce 9.6 million copies of the 50p coin, which also honours Queen Elizabeth II. The coin’s reverse is a copy of the one issued to commemorate her coronation in 1953.
The new 50p coins are the most significant alteration to UK currency since decimalisation.
“This will be the first time in many people’s lives that a new monarch appears on money,” says Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum. The King is seen in his portrait without a crown, a notable change from his mother’s depiction.
“Male rulers are frequently shown on coins without a crown. When his father and grandparents were on coinage, something occurred to them “Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint’s director of collector services, agrees. “It is extremely normal for female monarchs to wear a lot more regalia, such as crowns, tiaras, and jewellery.”
Another difference is that His Majesty now faces the opposite direction as his mother on the coins we use, as is customary when a new king is installed. Martin Jennings created the new coin, which was authorised by the King. “It must be an image that will endure throughout time and reflect the majority of what people believe monarchy to be about. So it must have the role [of King] as well as a depiction of him “Mr. Jennings remarks
The Mint will produce 9.6 million of these 50p coins, as well as others bearing the King’s head. Money will continue to be seen with Queen Elizabeth II for some time. Those coins will only be replaced when they are worn or broken, in accordance with the Royal Family’s request for minimum waste during the procedure.
“Most people under 50 have only ever seen Queen Elizabeth II in their wallets,” Ms Morgan continued.
“Before decimalisation, it was very uncommon to see two or three distinct kings on coins.”
