(Commonwealth Union) _Yesterday the Royal Mint unveiled eight new coin designs that are set to appear on official UK coins – from the 1p to the £2 coin. All eight coin designs have been approved by The King and reflect King Charles III’s passion for conservation and the natural world being inspired by flora and fauna found across Britain.
A unique repeating pattern featuring three interlocking C’s unifies the new coins. This aspect of the design is inspired by history and the cypher of Charles II, while the flora and fauna look to the future and the importance of the natural world.
The new designs officially known as definitives, which will soon appear on the nation’s coins, mark the final chapter of King Charles III’s transition onto British coinage.
The Royal Mint says the eight new coin designs will replace the current shield formation introduced in 2008 under Queen Elizabeth II.
The edge inscription of the new 2 pound coin which was inspired by The King’s inaugural speech on 9th September 2022, was chosen by His Majesty King Charles and reads ‘In Servitio Omnium’, Latin for “In the service of all.”
Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint, Anne Jessopp 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 and reflect His Majesty’s commitment to conservation and the natural world, as well as celebrating British craftsmanship.
She said that the Royal Mint has struck Britain’s coins for 1,100 years and this collection will proudly take its place in the hands of the nation amongst the designs of monarchs who ranged from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II.
The Royal Mint’s chief engraver Gordon Summers said it was the first time all eight coins celebrated nature and wildlife.
He said “It takes a great deal of skill to create art on a canvas as small as a 1p or 1 pound coin.”
Introducing the new ‘definitive’ coins of the nation:
1P Hazel Dormouse – Small in stature and mostly found in Southern England.
2P Red Squirrel – The distinctive colouring of the red squirrel blends perfectly with the reddish hue of the coin.
5P Oak Tree Leaf – a leaf taken from an oak tree, is displayed on the 5P coin, signifying its role as a rich habitat for biodiversity in British woodland areas.
10P Capercaillie – The Capercaillie is the world’s largest grouse and features on the reverse of the coin.
20P Puffin – The unmistakable seabird classed as a red list species features on the reverse of the coin.
50P Atlantic Salmon – The Atlantic Salmon found in clean rivers in Scotland and Wales along with those in North and South West England, features on the UK 50 P coin.
£1 Bees – Bees play a pivotal role in pollinating many fruiting trees and plants. They can be found in parks, orchards, woods, meadows and now on the reverse of the UK £1 coin.
£2 National Flowers – The UK £2 features flora that symbolize the four nations of the country – A rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Northern Ireland.
Each coin has been created with the support of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The new designs will begin to enter circulation from 2024 in line with demand from banks and UK post offices. The official commemorative set of the new designs will be released by The Royal Mint on 12th October, priced from £33 at www.royalmint.com
