by The Windrush generation and the NHS will be celebrated in new commemorative coins for 2023, bearing the official coinage portrait of the King.
The unveiling of the new collection symbolizes one of the biggest changes to British coinage since decimalisation, the Royal Mint said.
Collectors will see British coins go from portraits of Britain’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, to an effigy of the king.
All new Royal Mint coins struck from 1 January 2023 will bear the King’s portrait.
Rebecca Morgan, Divisional Director of Collecting Services at the Royal Mint, said: “Each year the Royal Mint reveals a coin collection, known as the Annual Set, which features a range of designs appearing on £5, £2 and 50p coins that mark some of the most significant moments and anniversaries of the year.
Coins in the commemorative collection will mark anniversaries and important moments in history, including the King’s 75th birthday.
The 2023 Annual Set will include a £5 coin celebrating the King’s 75th birthday, a £2 coin celebrating the life and work of JRR Tolkien, a £2 coin celebrating the Flying Scot’s centenary, a from 50p to celebrate 75 years of the NHS and a 50p celebrating the Windrush generation.
In June 1948, a vessel named HMT Empire Windrush docked in Essex, arriving from Jamaica.
The ship has come to symbolize its passengers and the succeeding generations who have played an integral role. The 50p coin commemorates 75 years since the ship’s arrival and features a design by artist Valda Jackson, whose parents came to Britain from the Caribbean.
The Royal Mint had previously unveiled the King’s portrait in September 2022, as part of their range of Queen Elizabeth II commemorative coins.
Anne Jessopp, CEO of the Royal Mint, said: “I am delighted to unveil the first coin collection of 2023 featuring the effigy of King Charles III as we cement our place in history with this next chapter in British coinage.
“Our role as an exemplar of British craftsmanship means that each portrait coin is of the highest quality, from the metal it is struck on, to the hours of craftsmanship put into the design, tooling and final product for our customers.
“As the UK’s official coin manufacturer, the Royal Mint has been proud to have minted every single UK coin for HM Queen Elizabeth II for 70 years.
“As we enter the new year, we will start to see one of the biggest changes to UK coinage in decades, when the portrait of King Charles III starts appearing on all new UK coinage.”
The 2023 commemorative sets will be available in a range of precious metals and base finishes, from 3 January on the Royal Mint website, with prices starting from £50.
A set of silver coins will be available for £311 and a gold set can be purchased for £7,845.
A platinum set can be purchased for £10,390.
Each of the coins will also be available individually in 2023, the Mint said.
