All new coins featuring the effigy, or profile, of King Charles III are set to enter circulation from May 21 — with the final proof coin now minted.
The proof base metal set, containing all six Australian standard coins featuring the King’s effigy, will be sent to the King as a gift.
Gifting the first issues of new coins became a tradition when Prince Philip was gifted the first full set of decimal coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy after opening the Mint in 1965.
The King Charles III 2024 Six-Coin Uncirculated Year Set is also set to be released.
It is the first time in the Royal Australian Mint’s 59-year history that it has changed the monarch on its full suite of legal coins, Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon said.
“The change of monarch was a significant undertaking that involved multiple stakeholders including the Royal Mint in Wales, the Australian government and Buckingham Palace,” Gordon said.
“The production of the coins also required design, engineering and production expertise at the Royal Australian Mint to ensure the coins were manufactured effectively across all denominations, sizes and metals.”
The King’s effigy replaced the late Queen’s on the obverse of coins late last year.
Queen Elizabeth II reigned from 1952 until her death in 2022, making it the first time in 70 years that Australia’s coins will feature the effigy of a King rather than a Queen.
“The new $1 coin is now in circulation and the 5c and $2 rolls were recently released,” Gordon said.
“Next Tuesday will be a momentous occasion for Australia. The King Charles effigy will be available on all six circulating coins.”
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25513843/2150185299.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1)
