KING CHARLES’ IMAGE APPEARS ON NEW UK COINS

Fri 30 September 2022:

The Royal Mint has unveiled the first British coins with the image of King Charles, who, in accordance with tradition, is depicted looking in the opposite direction from his late mother Queen Elizabeth, Reuters reported.

We are proud to unveil the first official coin portrait of King Charles III which has been designed by Martin Jennings FRSS and personally approved by His Majesty.

The first coins to feature the effigy are part of a memorial collection for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/umrUBbUCBr

— The Royal Mint (@RoyalMintUK) September 29, 2022

The new image will be used on coins worth 50 pence (S$0.79) that will go into circulation soon, as well as a commemorative five-pound coin that also has two new portraits of Elizabeth on the reverse.

The monarch has traditionally been depicted on coins facing the opposite way from their predecessor since the monarchy was restored in 1660 after Oliver Cromwell’s 10-year republic.

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Charles personally approved the official portrait, which shows him facing to the left and was done by British sculptor Martin Jennings. The image is surrounded by a Latin inscription which translates as “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”.

“The portrait was sculpted from a photograph of the King and was inspired by the iconic effigies that have graced Britain’s coins over the centuries,” Jennings said.

“It is the smallest work I have created, but it is humbling to know it will be seen and held by people around the world for centuries to come.”

Elizabeth II, who ruled for 70 years, passed away on September 8 at the age of 96. She is featured on about 27 billion coins, which are still considered legal tender despite being phased out over time.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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