Coins featuring King Charles III's portrait unveiled

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The Royal Mint has unveiled the coin effigy of King Charles II. The King's image will begin appearing on the back of coins from around December with 50p coins displaying his visage entering circulation to meet demand.

Meanwhile, the Mint will release a memorial coin range on Monday, October 3 at 9am to commemorate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

The King's face will first begin to appear on a special £5 Crown and 50p in commemoration of the Queen. In keeping with Royal tradition, the King's portrait will face to the left - the opposite direction to his mother and predecessor Queen Elizabeth.

It was created by sculptor Martin Jennings and has been personally approved by Charles, according to the Mint. Read more: MP's vow over 'incredibly upsetting scenes' as BBC claims mental health patients 'filmed being subjected to abuse' Nicola Howell, chief commercial officer at the Royal Mint said: “We expect customers will start to be able to receive the commemorative range from October and then we expect the 50p memorial circulating coin to be appearing in people’s change probably from December.” Chris Barker from the Royal Mint Museum said: "Charles has followed that general tradition that we have in British coinage, going all the way back to Charles II actually, that the monarch faces in the opposite direction to their predecessor.” He described the portrait as: “Dignified and graceful, which reflects his years of service.” The Latin inscription surrounding the effigy reads: “• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022” which translates to: “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”.