12 October 2023
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The Royal Mint has unveiled eight new designs that are set to appear on UK coins – from the 1p to the £2 coin. All eight coin designs have been approved by The King and reflect his passion for conservation and the natural world.
The new design of the nation’s coins – officially known as definitives - marks the final chapter of His Majesty King Charles III’s transition onto British coinage. The eight new coin designs will replace the current shield formation introduced under Queen Elizabeth II in 2008.
The official commemorative set of the new designs is now available from The Royal Mint.
The design of Britain's definitive coins
Unifying the new coins is a unique repeating pattern featuring three interlocking C’s.
This aspect of the design takes its inspiration from history and the cypher of Charles II, while the flora and fauna look to the future and the importance of the natural world.
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The edge inscription of the new £2 coin was chosen by His Majesty and reads ‘IN SERVITIO OMNIUM’, Latin for ‘In the service of all’. It was taken from The King’s inaugural speech on 9 September 2022.
Flora and fauna designs
The flora and fauna on the new coins is as follows:
- 1p - Hazel Dormouse
- 2p - Red Squirrel
- 5p - Oak tree leaf
- 10p - Capercaillie
- 20p - Puffin
- 50p - Atlantic salmon
- £1 - Bees
- £2 - National flowers
Each coin has been created with the support of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The new designs will start to enter circulation from 2024 in line with demand from banks and UK post offices. The official commemorative set of the new designs was released by The Royal Mint on 12 October, priced from £33.
Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint said:
"This is a rare and historic moment as the complete set of UK coins change to celebrate a new monarch on the throne. The striking designs have been seen by His Majesty and reflect his commitment to conservation and the natural world, as well as celebrating British craftsmanship."
