Great Britain One-pound coin with portrait of King Charles in circulation

Almost two years after taking office, King Charles III's face can be seen on British pound coins for the first time. Almost three million of the coins will be put into circulation, according to the Royal Mint.

One side of the coin shows a pair of bees. This is intended to emphasize the monarch's passion for environmental protection and nature. The official portrait of the King is emblazoned on the reverse. The 50 pence coin, which has been in use since November 2023, features an Atlantic salmon.

"We hope that the designs on all coin denominations will stimulate important debates about the protection of these important species," said Rebecca Morgan, Director of the Mint. The other coins with Charles' likeness, which are to be gradually put into circulation, also emphasize the head of state's commitment to the environment.

Further coins with animal motifs to follow

A dormouse can be seen on the 1 pence coin and a red squirrel on the 2 pence piece. The 5 pence coin features an oak leaf, the 10 pence coin a capercaillie and the 20 pence coin a puffin.

The 2-pound coin shows the national flowers of the four parts of the United Kingdom: rose (England), daffodil (Wales), thistle (Scotland) and shamrock (Northern Ireland).

A total of 2.975 million one-pound coins are put into circulation via banks and post offices. Charles has been British King since the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. Coins bearing Elizabeth's likeness remain in circulation and are still valid. The king's face has also adorned banknotes since June.