When will stamps, cash, and coins change to the face of King Charles III?
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the reign of King Charles III has begun.
He has already seen two Prime Ministers in Number 10 during his reign and has proposed some big changes to how the Royal Family is run.
Another change coming our way will be new stamps, coins, and notes featuring the new monarch’s face.
We have already seen the first coins picturing The King in production, with the Royal Mint saying the move, which represents the biggest change to UK coinage since decimalisation, will ‘usher in a new era’.
In the new coin, Charles faces to the left, the opposite direction to his mother. This is because tradition states monarchs face the opposite way to their predecessors.
But when will we see all of our stamps, coins, and notes change, and will previous ones featuring The Queen’s face remain valid? Here’s what you need to know.
When will stamps, coins, and notes change to King Charles III’s face?
Stamps, coins and notes are being updated to include The King’s face, though it is unconfirmed when they will be in circulation.
Production of coins featuring the Queen will conclude by the end of the year.
The 27 billion coins bearing her portrait of the late monarch will remain legal tender but be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn to meet demand.
Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said: ‘For many people this will be the first time in their lives that they have seen a new monarch appear on money.
‘It represents the biggest change to UK coinage since decimalisation and will usher in a new era where the coins of Queen Elizabeth II and Charles co-circulate in the UK.’
The Bank of England has said it will reveal images of updated banknotes featuring a portrait of HM King Charles III by the end of this year.
The notes are expected to enter circulation by mid-2024.
His Majesty’s portrait will appear on existing designs of all four polymer banknotes – £5, £10, £20, and £50.
A statement from the Bank said this will be a continuation of the current polymer series and no additional changes to the banknote designs will be made.
Royal Mint CEO Anne Jessopp said: ‘On behalf of everyone at the Royal Mint, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family at this extraordinarily sad time.
‘Queen Elizabeth II ruled with heart and devotion and will be dearly missed by all of us at the Royal Mint and by millions of people around the world.
‘The Royal Mint worked with Her Late Majesty throughout her reign – detailing her journey from new Queen to respected head of state across five coin portraits, and ensuring each new UK coin received her personal seal of approval.
‘The remarkable legacy of Britain’s longest-serving monarch will live on for many years to come.’
Special stamps featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II already announced will still be issued, although there may be changes to when they are launched.
It continued: ‘All special stamps that have already been announced will be issued, although the launch dates of some may change.
‘In line with past practice. following the death of a monarch all existing post boxes will remain unchanged.
‘Post boxes already in production or being prepared for installation will also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II.’
The company announced that a gallery of stamps featuring the Queen is already available on its website.
The statement added: ‘No further announcements on stamps will be made before the funeral, and then only at the appropriate time, after consultation with Buckingham Palace.’
Will stamps, coins, and notes with Queen Elizabeth II’s face remain valid?
Postal stamps featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II will remain valid following her death for around four months, Royal Mail has announced.
A Royal Mail statement explained: ‘Following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Mail has confirmed that stamps bearing the image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II remain valid for use.
‘These include definitive stamps – regular “every day” stamps – and special stamps.
‘As previously announced, following the introduction of barcodes to everyday stamps, these stamps remain valid until the end of January 2023.’
When it comes to currency, the Bank of England has announced that notes will also remain valid for a period of time.
A statement said: ‘In line with guidance from the Royal Household to minimise the environmental and financial impact of the change of monarch, existing stocks of notes featuring HM Queen Elizabeth II will continue to be issued into circulation. New notes will only be printed to replace worn banknotes and to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes.
‘Current banknotes featuring the portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II will continue to be legal tender and will only be removed from circulation once they become worn or damaged. They will co-circulate with those featuring HM King Charles III.’
The Royal Mint has also confirmed that coins with the Queen’s face will still be able to be used.
‘Yes, all United Kingdom circulating coins bearing portraits of Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender and in circulation. Further information will follow,’ a statement reads.
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