30 September 2022
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Discover more about the first 50p coin to feature the effigy of King Charles II, which is set to be entered into circulation.
The Royal Mint recently unveiled the first coins to feature the official coin effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, one was a special £5 Crown and the other a 50p coin commemorating the life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Visit the Royal Mint website to see the range of King Charles III coins available to buy.
The King's portrait
The King’s effigy has been created by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings, and has been personally approved by His Majesty.
In keeping with tradition, the King’s portrait faces to the left, the opposite direction to Queen Elizabeth II.
The Latin inscription surrounding the effigy reads “• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022” which translates to ‘King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith’.
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Honouring the Queen
The reverse of the 50p coin features a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown, which was struck to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation at Westminster Abbey, and includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield.
In between each shield is an emblem of the home nations; a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.
How can I get one of the 50p coins?
The Royal Mint have confirmed that 'to ensure everyone can hold a piece of history in their hand', the 50p will enter circulation in the UK. That means we'll see it in shops and in our loose change.
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins, and other versions such as silver and gold, will be available directly from the Royal Mint website.
Will the coin be rare and go up in value?
It is likely the Royal Mint will mint a large number of the coins to meet demand – the exact mintage figures have not yet been revealed – but because so many people will want to own one of the coins, it could still become rare in years to come.
The Royal Mint have confirmed that only these coins commemorating Her Late Majesty's life and reign will feature the King's portrait this year. So that means the 50p with a '2022' date will be eagerly sought out.
The memorial range – which features the £5 crown, the 50p and a special 'ounces' range – will be available from 3 October on the Royal Mint website.