Britain's Royal Mint has unveiled the first coins to feature the effigy of King Charles III, reports UNB.
British citizens will begin to see Charles’ image in their change from around December, as 50-pence coins inscribing his face-mark gradually enter circulation.
The new monarch's effigy was created by British sculptor Martin Jennings, and has been personally approved by the King, the Royal Mint said Friday.
In keeping with tradition, the king's portrait faces to the left — the opposite direction to his mother's, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Charles has followed that general tradition that we have in British coinage, going all the way back to Charles II actually, that the monarch faces in the opposite direction to their predecessor," said Chris Barker at the Royal Mint Museum.
Charles is depicted without a crown. A Latin inscription surrounding the portrait translates to “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith."
A separate memorial 5-pound coin remembering the life and legacy of Elizabeth will be released Monday. One side of this coin features Charles, while the reverse side features two new portraits of Elizabeth side by side.
Based in south Wales, the Royal Mint has depicted Britain's royal family on coins for over 1,100 years, documenting each monarch since Alfred the Great.
Charles ascended to the throne September 8 upon the death of his mother, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, who died at age 96.
Around 27 billion coins bearing Elizabeth II's image currently circulate in the United Kingdom All will remain legal tender and be in active circulation, to be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
