
The UK has just launched some exciting new coins, including a £5 coin and a £2 coin. The £5 coin features a portrait of King Charles III on the obverse side, while the reverse side showcases a design that honors the UK's connection to the Commonwealth.
The £2 coin, on the other hand, has a unique design that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the £2 coin. It's the first time this design has been featured on a £2 coin, making it a special edition.
These new coins are now in circulation, so you might be lucky enough to get your hands on one.
New UK Coins
The new UK coins are quite exciting! The Royal Mint has unveiled a new £2 coin featuring national flowers, symbolizing the four nations of the UK. A rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland, and a shamrock for Northern Ireland are all represented.
The edge inscription on the new £2 coin reads "IN SERVITIO OMNIUM', which is Latin for "In the service of all". This was inspired by King Charles' inaugural address on September 9, 2022, and personally approved by the king.
The Royal Mint is also set to introduce a new £5 coin in 2025, featuring the Red Arrows and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. This coin will honour the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on the 125th anniversary of her birth.
20p Coin
The new 20p coin features an image of a puffin on the reverse side. This is a unique design that sets it apart from other coins.
Around 10 per cent of the world's puffin population breeds along the UK's coastline. This is a significant fact that highlights the importance of the UK's coastline for these birds.
Puffins are classed as a Red List species, which means their population is predicted to severely regress over the next 30 years. This is a serious concern that requires immediate attention.
The image of the puffin on the 20p coin is a reminder of the need to protect these birds and their habitats. It's a small but meaningful step towards raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
£1 Coin
The new UK £1 coin features a bee, symbolising the over 250 species that exist in Britain and play a crucial role in pollination.
This design choice highlights the importance of bees in our ecosystem, and it's a great reminder of their impact on our environment.
The £1 coin is a new addition to the UK's currency, and it's an exciting change for many people.
£2 Coin
The new £2 coin features national flowers from the four nations of the UK: a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland, and a shamrock for Northern Ireland.
The edge inscription on the new £2 coin reads "IN SERVITIO OMNIUM", which is Latin for "In the service of all". This phrase was inspired by King Charles' inaugural address on September 9, 2022.
First Look at New UK Coins, Including £5
The Royal Mint is set to introduce a new £5 coin in 2025, honouring the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on the 125th anniversary of her birth. The coin will feature a portrait from a design created for her 80th birthday in 1980.
The new £5 coin will be part of the Royal Mint's 2025 annual set, which also includes fresh designs for the 50p, £2 coin, and two 50p coins to mark the 60th anniversary of the inaugural Red Arrows display and the Second World War.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, described the 2025 annual set as "highly anticipated by collectors", with each coin meticulously designed and crafted to serve as a permanent reminder of these moments in British history.
Two new £2 coin designs will celebrate the bicentenary of modern railways and the establishment of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
King Charles III Coins
Britons will start seeing King Charles III's image in their change from around December, as 50-pence coins depicting him gradually enter circulation.
The new monarch's effigy was created by British sculptor Martin Jennings, and has been personally approved by Charles.
Charles is depicted without a crown, and a Latin inscription surrounding the portrait translates to “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith.”
The Royal Mint has been depicting Britain's royal family on coins for over 1,100 years, documenting each monarch since Alfred the Great.
All 27 billion coins bearing Elizabeth II's image currently circulating in the UK will remain legal tender and be in active circulation, to be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn.
The portrait of King Charles III was sculpted from a photo of Charles, and he follows the general tradition of facing to the left, opposite to his mother's direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any new coins for 2024?
Yes, the 2024 mint product schedule includes a variety of new coins, such as the Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coins and the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins. Check the mint schedule for a full list of exciting new coins being released this year.
Sources
- https://www.royalmint.com/aboutus/press-centre/the-royal-mint-unveils-new-coins-of-the-nation/
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-us/our-people/the-royal-family/new-royal-mint-coins
- https://www.gbnews.com/money/royal-mint-coins-new-king-charles-uk
- https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/first-look-new-uk-coins-9821181
- https://www.kare11.com/article/news/nation-world/first-new-coins-featuring-king-charles-iii-unveiled/507-338388df-616e-46c4-9f2d-09a57821f6d4
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