Royal Mint releases 30.9m £1 coins marking transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III
Royal Mint releases 30.9m £1 coins marking transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III
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The Royal Mint has confirmed that more than 30 million new £1 coins are entering circulation across the UK, marking a significant moment in the nation’s numismatic history.
The release includes 23.29 million of the final £1 coins featuring the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, alongside 7.565 million coins bearing the portrait of King Charles III. Among these are 170,000 dated 2025, the first £1 coins to feature the new monarch.
The Royal Mint, which is based in Llantrisant, south, Wales, said the transition represents a milestone in British coinage as the £1 denomination changes from the late Queen, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, to her son and successor. The last £1 coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II, dated 2022, are now the rarest in circulation.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, described the dual release as historic.
She said: “This release represents a pivotal moment in British coinage history. As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we’re witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy’s transition.
“This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting. Coin collecting offers a fascinating window into our nation’s history and culture. Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency,” she said.
The new £1 coin featuring King Charles III also carries a reverse design celebrating the British bee, one of eight new motifs introduced in 2023 highlighting UK wildlife under conservation. Other species appearing on new coins include the Hazel Dormouse, Puffin and Atlantic Salmon.
Although 2.975 million of the King’s £1 coins were first issued in August 2024, their relatively low numbers in circulation have heightened collector interest. Many are turning to commemorative versions, including The Royal Mint’s definitive collection, which features designs not yet widely available in tills.
Currently, King Charles III coins account for just 0.004% of the UK’s 24.7 billion coins in circulation, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
The Royal Mint is encouraging the public to check their change in the coming weeks as the coins enter tills and pockets nationwide.
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