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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Lucy Farrell

King Charles' coins will differ from the Queen's with two major changes

The first coin featuring King Charles III is set to come into circulation featuring some noticeable differences.

The new 50 pence will be introduced this December in the biggest change to UK coinage since the introduction of decimalisation. King Charles is set to pay a touching tribute to his late mother whilst departing from some imagery Brits will be used to seeing.

To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Mint is to release 9.6million copies of the coin which features the King's image on one side, while the reverse shows a replica featured on the coin which celebrated The Queen's coronation in 1953.

"For many people, this will be the first time in their lives that they have seen a new monarch appear on money," says Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum.

The King's portrait also features him without his crown, a difference compared to his beloved mother's previous image.

Director of collector services at the Royal Mint explained: "It's quite common for male monarchs not to wear a crown on their coinage. It happened to his father and grandfather when they were on coinage.

Featuring the official portrait of King Charles III by British artist Martin Jennings, also features a memorial to the life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. (Alistair Heap/PA Wire)

"It's quite common for female monarchs to wear a lot more regalia, so crowns, tiaras, jewellery as well.

"Most people under the age of 50 have only ever seen Queen Elizabeth II in their pockets," Ms Morgan added. "It wasn't unusual to see two or three different monarchs on coins before decimalisation."

Designed by Martin Jennings with the King's approval, the coin also depicts His Majesty facing the opposite direction from his mother on currently circulated coins - a tradition for a new monarch.

Artist Martin Jennings with one of the first coins featuring the portrait of King Charles III (Alistair Heap/PA Wire)

"It has to be an image that will persist over the years and that will represent the generality of what people imagine monarchy to be about. So it's not just a portrait of him, it also needs to contain the role [of King]," says Mr Jennings.

As well as 50 pence, the Royal Mint has begun to create other coin's with the King's image. In line with the Royal Family's wishes to minimize waste, Queen Elizabeth II coins will remain in circulation until they become damaged.

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