First coins featuring King Charles's portrait go into circulation
The first coins featuring King Charles's portrait start entering circulation today.
The monarch's image appears first on a 50p. His face, in profile, is turned to the left, in contrast to the Queen's, which faced the opposite way.
On the coin's reverse is a tribute to Her Majesty - a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown, struck to commemorate her coronation at Westminster Abbey.
It includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield.
Between each shield is an emblem of the home nations: a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.
The Post Office's Aldwych branch in central London, near Clarence House, is among the locations getting the new coins.
During December, 4.9 million 50ps will enter circulation at 9,452 Post Office branches, with almost double that eventually being released.
A commemorative version of the coin was released in October, producing a record number of visitors to the Royal Mint's website in the following 24 hours.
The King's effigy, created by sculptor Martin Jennings, was personally approved by His Majesty.
Coins containing the Queen's image are likely to remain in circulation for a very long time - about 27 billion are in existence and they will remain legal tender.
Rebecca Morgan, director of collector services at the Royal Mint, said: "Today marks a new era for UK coinage, with the effigy of King Charles III appearing on 50ps in circulation.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for coin collectors to add to their collections, or start one for the first time."
Nick Read, chief executive of the Post Office, said: "December is our busiest time of the year so the coin will be entering our network in a phased manner.
"If you don't receive the new 50p in your change on your first visit to a post office you may well get it in your change in a subsequent visit, so keep a look out for it."
