
The new GBP coins have been making waves, and for good reason. They're a significant update to the UK's currency, with several key changes that you should know about.
The new coins feature a range of new designs, including King Charles III and some of the UK's most iconic landmarks.
The £50 note has been replaced with a new £100 note, which is the largest denomination of banknote currently in circulation.
The new coins are made from a combination of metals, including nickel-brass and nickel-plated steel, which is more durable and secure than the old coins.
New Coin Design
The new coin design is a significant departure from traditional British coinage. The Royal Mint has unveiled a new collection of coins bearing the face of King Charles, featuring designs inspired by plants and animals found across the four nations.
The designs are overseen by King Charles and reflect his interest in conservation and nature. The 1p depicts a hazel dormouse, the 2p the red squirrel, the 5p an oak tree leaf, the 10p the critically endangered woodland grouse the capercaillie, the 20p a puffin, the 50p a salmon, the £1 sees two bees and the £2 coin features a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Northern Ireland.
A repeating pattern of three interlocking C's features on all of the coins, which takes its inspiration from history and the cypher of Charles II. The coins also feature large numbering, which makes them more accessible, especially for tourists who aren't as familiar with the British coinage system.
The Latin inscription surrounding the edge of the £2 coin was chosen by the king and reads In servitio omnium, which translates as “In the service of all”. This phrase was taken from the king’s inaugural speech in September last year.
Here's a breakdown of the new coin designs:
- 1p: hazel dormouse
- 2p: red squirrel
- 5p: oak tree leaf
- 10p: capercaillie
- 20p: puffin
- 50p: salmon
- £1: two bees
- £2: rose, daffodil, thistle, shamrock
Coins Inspired by King Charles III
The new coins featuring King Charles III are a significant departure from the traditional designs we're used to. They're inspired by the King's love of nature and conservation.
The Royal Mint has unveiled a new collection of coins, overseen by King Charles III, featuring plants and animals from the four UK nations. These designs reflect the King's interest in conservation and nature.
The new 1p coin shows a hazel dormouse, while the 5p coin features an oak tree leaf. The 10p piece depicts a capercaillie, a critically endangered game bird found in parts of Scotland.
The £2 coin features a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland, and a shamrock for Northern Ireland. This design marks a significant shift from the coins featuring the late Queen.
The designs have been created with the support of the RHS and the RSPB. The Royal Mint says that the large numbers on the coins will be appealing to children learning to count and about the use of money.
The coins also feature a repeating pattern of three interlocking C's, which takes its inspiration from history and the cypher of Charles II. This feature adds an extra layer of interest to the designs.
Here's a breakdown of the new coin designs:
The coins will be in circulation by the end of the year, and will be available for general use.
When Will the £1 Coin Be Released?
The new £1 coin is getting a makeover, and we can't wait to get our hands on it! The new design is expected to be released soon.
You might be wondering when you'll be able to get your hands on the new coin. The answer is, it'll be available in circulation on 28th March.
The exact date of release is important to know, so you can start collecting the new coin or simply use it in your everyday transactions.
Impact and Preparation
The introduction of new GBP coins is going to have a significant impact on businesses that rely on coins for their operations.
Many industries have come to rely on coins, including retailers, gyms, hotels, and supermarkets, among others.
The switch over is expected to cost these industries a substantial amount, with the Treasury Economic Impact Assessment suggesting that it cost the coin-operated industry approximately £80 million when the new 5p and 10p coins were introduced.
The British Parking Association has stated that the new coin will cost their industry in excess of £50 million.
To prepare for the switch, many businesses are already working to update their equipment to accept both coins for the next six months, which is a costly process.
Some companies are treating the currency switch as an opportunity to future-proof their coin-operated mechanisms by switching to keyless locking solutions that negate the need for coins altogether.
The KL1000 RFID KitLock is a simple, smart card lock that provides easy access to lockers, cabinets, cupboards, and other enclosures, saving companies time and money ahead of the currency switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there new pound coins?
Yes, a new 12-sided £1 coin has been introduced, featuring different dimensions than the previous round coin. Learn more about its unique features and specifications.
Which pound coins are no longer valid?
The round £1 coin lost its legal tender status in 2017, but can still be deposited into a bank account at most High Street Banks in the UK. However, specific deposit arrangements may vary by bank.
What is the difference between the old and new 1 pound coin?
The new 1 pound coin is no longer round, featuring a unique 12-sided dodecagon shape. This design change makes it harder to replicate, increasing its security.
Sources
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/12/royal-mint-unveils-new-coin-design-inspired-by-king-charles
- https://eurochange.es/blog/en/currency/new-pound-coins-featuring-king-charles/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67091137
- https://theweek.com/royals/britains-new-coins-inspired-by-king-charles-iii
- https://www.codelocks.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-1-coin
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