PREVIEW

Coin collectors are being urged to keep an eye on their change as the first £1 coin bearing the image of His Majesty King Charles III enters circulation this week. The new coin, which features a design celebrating British bees, has been distributed to Post Offices and banks across the UK, with nearly three million coins—2.975 million to be precise—now making their way into tills nationwide.

The bee-themed £1 coin is part of a broader set of eight new designs that will soon appear on the nation’s currency, ranging from the 1p to the £2 coin. Each of these designs showcases a different animal involved in active conservation efforts, including the Hazel Dormouse, Puffin, and Atlantic Salmon.

Unveiled in October 2023, the new coin designs reflect King Charles III's strong commitment to environmental conservation. In addition to their nature-themed motifs, the coins have larger numerals indicating their value, aimed at helping children better understand money.

A distinctive feature of the new coins is a repeating pattern of three interlocking Cs, drawing inspiration from the cypher of Charles II. This historical nod is paired with forward-looking imagery of flora and fauna, symbolising the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.

Following the designs’ reveal, production began in earnest at The Royal Mint in South Wales, where millions of the new coins have been struck. The Atlantic Salmon 50p coin was the first of the eight to enter circulation, making its debut in late 2023.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint has produced the circulating coinage for each of Britain’s monarchs since Alfred the Great, and it is an honour to announce that King Charles III’s £1 coin is now in circulation. We anticipate a buzz of excitement among collectors and the public as they discover this special piece of history in their change. We hope the designs across all denominations will spark important conversations about the conservation of these crucial species.”

In a poll conducted by The Royal Mint, the £1 coin featuring the British bees emerged as the favourite among the eight new designs, receiving nearly 30% of the votes. The 2p coin, depicting the Red Squirrel, was a close runner-up.

For those keen to own a complete set, commemorative versions of the definitive coins are available for purchase on The Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting at £34.