First £2 coin featuring King Charles III revealed – and how to get one
THE first £2 coin featuring King Charles III’s face will be available to buy in just days.
The commemorative coin comes as part of a set of designs to mark key moments and anniversaries in 2023.
But they won’t be in circulation, meaning you won’t be able to use them in shops.
That’s because uncirculated coins aren’t classed as legal tender.
Buyers will be able to get 50p, £2 and £5 coins covering a range of themes including the life and work of JRR Tolkien and King Charles’ 75th birthday.
The sets will be available to buy from January 3, 2023, on The Royal Mint website.
It comes after the first ever 50p bearing the King’s face started appearing in people’s change this month.
Anne Jessopp, chief executive officer of the company, said: “I am honoured to unveil the first collection of 2023 coins featuring the effigy of King Charles III as we cement our role in history with this next chapter in British coinage.
She added: “As we enter the New Year, we will start to see one of the biggest changes to UK coins for decades take place as King Charles III’s portrait begins to appear on all new UK coins.”
The Royal Mint, the official maker of British coins, reveals new sets of commemorative coins every year known as the Annual Set.
They feature a range of designs marking some of the year’s most significant moments and anniversaries.
Next year, some will feature King Charles III’s face for the first time after he ascended the throne following his mother’s death.
Rebecca Morgan, divisional director of the Collector Services at The Royal Mint, said the commemorative coins for 2023 were “particularly special”, adding the Annual Sets were marking a “historic transition in monarchy on coins”.
The 2023 commemorative sets will be available in a range of precious metal and base proof finishes, with prices starting from £50.
A set of silver proof coins will be available for £311 and a gold set can be bought for £7,845.
A platinum set can be purchased for £10,390.
Each of the coins will also be available individually in 2023, the Mint said.
What will happen to coins with the Queen on?
All UK coins bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and in active circulation for many years to come.
Roughly 27 billion coins circulating across the UK feature her portrait.
But they will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for additional coins.
In the past, it’s been normal for coins featuring different monarch’s faces to co-circulate.
This is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal environmental impact and cost.