Monarch Transition Signaled by King Charles as Prince William Delivers Important Statement
New King Charles III £1 Coins Enter Circulation in the UK
On 20 August 2025, the United Kingdom will witness a significant milestone in its coinage history as the new King Charles III £1 coins enter full circulation. A total of 7,565,000 coins will be released, coinciding with a final batch of over 23 million Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins [1][2][3].
The new coins are a physical representation of the transition of the monarchy from the late Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-reigning monarch, to King Charles III. The coins bear King Charles III's portrait on the obverse side, while the reverse side features a distinctive bee design, inspired by the British Isles' flora and fauna [2].
This dual release ensures a smooth and environmentally considerate transition between monarchs on UK currency, as all coins with Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait continue to circulate [3]. The coins entering circulation still destined for tills and people's pockets, offering an exciting opportunity for individuals to connect with the heritage, history, and craftsmanship behind British currency.
The final batch of Queen's coins, dated 2022, are now considered the rarest active £1 coins, marking the end of an era. The Royal Mint officials describe this coin issuance as "a pivotal moment in British coinage history" [1][3].
For coin collectors, this dual release presents an exceptional opportunity. Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, stated that the transition represents the physical transition of the monarchy [4].
Meanwhile, Prince William is being prepared for the next phase in his life, while Prince Charles undergoes cancer treatment, diagnosed in 2024 [5]. Kensington Palace has revealed that Prince William and Kate Middleton will be moving into their 'forever home' Forest Lodge [6].
Coin collecting, according to Morgan, offers a unique opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and newcomers, providing insight into the nation's history and culture [7]. However, there are no plans for the production or release of additional coins featuring the faces of other members of the royal family, as of now.
The announcement does not mention any plans for Queen Elizabeth II's future residence at Buckingham Palace. The coins in question, destined for tills and people's pockets, are set to play a crucial role in marking this historic milestone moment.
References:
- BBC News
- The Royal Mint
- CoinWeek
- The Guardian
- The Telegraph
- People
- Coin World
