The Royal Mint has unveiled a range of commemorative coins to mark the Coronation in just a few weeks’ time. The coins are also set to feature the first official crowned coinage portrait of The King.
The effigy of Charles III for standard coins was unveiled last year and, in keeping with tradition, His Majesty is seen not wearing regalia, which female Monarchs do.
New coins have been issued to mark the Coronation. (Royal Mint)
The new coin image has been created specifically for the Coronation, and has been reserved for collectable, commemorative coins, both now and in future.
In the likeness, The King is seen to be wearing the Tudor Crown, personally chosen by His Majesty for the portrait. The Tudor Crown is also seen on His Majesty’s cypher, and is a simple arched coronet.
The coins will see a crowned King Charles, who is wearing the Tudor Crown. (Royal Mint)
In the collection, the coins feature a number of unique designs relating to Coronations. The 50p in the range features the iconic Westminster Abbey, the central location in the Coronation celebrations.
The £5 coin in the collection focuses on the regalia seen during the coronation ceremony, including St Edward’s Crown and the Sovereign’s Sceptres. The coin features the crowned shield of the Royal Arms surrounded by the floral emblems of the four nations of the United Kingdom.
The collection will also include a very limited number of Sovereigns which will be struck on 6th May 2023, the day of the Coronation, making it the perfect souvenir for collectors. This is the first opportunity the public have had to own a 2023 Sovereign.
The coins in the collection celebrating the #coronation of His Majesty King Charles III feature The King's first official crowned effigy.
Dsicover the history of crowned portraits on coronation coins and medals from the @RoyalMintMuseum's Chris Barker. pic.twitter.com/hTtNXVedx4
— The Royal Mint (@RoyalMintUK) April 14, 2023
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint, said: ‘The Coronation range is a celebration of the Coronation and His Majesty The King’s formal investiture, exhibiting exemplary British craftsmanship, with a range of price points making it accessible for all. We’re particularly excited to unveil the unique crowned effigy, making this range highly collectible and a wonderful keepsake of such a historic occasion.’
The full collection of commemorative coins to mark the Coronation. (Royal Mint)
‘The Royal Mint has struck the coins of the Monarchy since the times of Alfred the Great. The Royal Mint has played a role in coronations for years, traditionally producing coins and medals for previous monarchs. We are marking a moment in history and a new chapter in British coinage. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow an existing coin collection or to start collecting for the first time.’
The commemorative range will go on sale at 9am BST on Monday 24th April 2023 here.
