The Royal Mint has unveiled eight new coin designs, which include a hazel dormouse, red squirrel, oak leaf, capercaillie, puffin, Atlantic salmon, bees and national flowers.
Approved by King Charles III, the designs reflect the King's passion for British wildlife.
The coins are expected to enter circulation from the end of 2023.
“The striking designs have been seen by His Majesty and reflect his commitment to conservation and the natural world, as well as celebrating British craftsmanship," said Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint Anne Jessopp.
“The Royal Mint has struck Britain’s coins for 1,100 years and this collection will proudly take its place amongst the designs of monarchs ranging from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II. A unique pattern of interlocking C’s adorns each of the new designs. This unifying feature gives a nod to history through the cypher of Charles II while celebrating King Charles III’s commitment to conservation.”
Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint, Gordon Summers added: “It takes a great deal of skill to create art on a canvas as small as a 1p or £1 coin. The Royal Mint has honed our expertise over 1,100 years and we can’t wait to see the new coins in the hands of the nation.”
What do the new coins look like?
1p - Hazel dormouse
2p – Red squirrel
5p – Oak tree leaf
10p – Capercaillie
20p – Puffin
50p – Atlantic salmon
£1 – Bees
£2 – National flowers
