(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
Britain's Royal Mint on Friday unveiled the official effigy of
King Charles III that will appear on coins following his accession
to the throne, reports citing .
The effigy is the work of British sculptor Martin Jennings and
was personally approved by the new king.
The first coins bearing the king's portrait will be a special £5
coin and a 50 pence coin commemorating the life of Queen Elizabeth
II.
Jennings said his portrait was sculpted from a photograph of the
Charles.
“It is the smallest work I have created, but it is humbling to
know it will be seen and held by people around the world for
centuries to come,” he said.
In line with royal tradition, Charles's portrait faces to the
left, the opposite direction to his late mother.
A Latin inscription surrounding the effigy translates as“King
Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”.
The image of Charles will begin to appear on coins in
circulation and on commemorative pieces in the coming months, the
Royal Mint said in a statement.
Two new portraits of Elizabeth will feature on the reverse of
the commemorative five pound coin.
The Royal Mint has been responsible for depicting monarchs on
coins for over 1,100 years since Alfred the Great.
Elizabeth died on September 8 following a record-breaking 70
years on the throne.
Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said late queen
had appeared on more coins than any other British monarch.
“Over the coming years it will become common for people to find
coins bearing His Majesty and Queen Elizabeth II's effigy in their
change,” he said.
The Royal Mint said historically it had been commonplace for
coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to
co-circulate.
“This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental
impact and cost.”
There are currently around 27 billion coins circulating in the
UK bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
“These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn
and to meet demand for additional coins,” the Royal Mint added.
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