King Charles £1 coin enters circulation

The coin also features a new design depicting a pair of bees, highlighting the King's passion for conservation and the natural world

The first £1 coin featuring King Charles III has entered circulation this week, Keep your eyes peeled for a piece of history in your change.

A total of 2.975 million of the coins will be distributed via Post Offices and banks across the UK.

The coin also boasts a new design showcasing a pair of bees. Unveiled in October last year, this tribute to British bees, which underscores Charles's passion for conservation and the natural world, is one of eight fresh designs gracing the nation's coins, from the humble 1p to the £2 coin.

These feature animals such as the hazel dormouse, puffin and the Atlantic salmon - all species currently part of active conservation programmes. The new coin will also sport a larger number indicating its value, aimed at helping children understand the value of money.

Unifying the new coins is a unique repeating pattern featuring three interlocking C’s. This aspect of the design takes its inspiration from history and the cypher of Charles II, while the flora and fauna look to the future and the importance of the natural world.

Following the reveal of the designs, production of the coins begun with several million struck by The Royal Mint in South Wales. The Atlantic salmon 50p was the first of the eight designs to enter circulation at the end of 2023.

Rebecca Morgan Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “The Royal Mint has made the circulating coinage of each of Britain’s monarchs since Alfred the Great and it is an honour to reveal that King Charles III’s £1 coin is now in circulation. We know there’ll be a buzz of excitement amongst collectors and the public to get this special piece of history in their change. We hope the designs across all denominations spark important conversations about the conservation of these important species.”

In a poll hosted by The Royal Mint, the £1 coin was crowned as the favourite among all eight of the coin designs, with the 2p depicting the Red Squirrel following with a close second place. Around 3,000 voted to crown their favourite design, with the £1 coming out on top with nearly 30% of the votes.