His Majesty King Charles III’s 2023 Definitive Sets
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has The Royal Mint unveiled a new Definitive Set?
The new 2023 Definitive coin collection marks the final chapter of His Majesty King Charles III’s transition onto British coinage and symbolises the transition to a new reign. The eight new coin designs will replace the current shield formation introduced in 2008.
How many coins are there?
The 2023 Definitive set contains eight coins, from the UK 1p to the UK £2 – all featuring brand-new reverse designs for the first time in 15 years.
When can I purchase the 2023 Definitive Sets?
You can purchase a 2023 Definitive Set from The Royal Mint’s website from 6pm (BST) on 12 October 2023.
Why are we launching at 6pm?
This is the first new set of definitive coins in 15 years. Due to the worldwide demand and interest in this historic change in UK coinage, a 6pm (BST) launch time has been chosen to offer collectors from across the world an opportunity to order through The Royal Mint.
How can I purchase the 2023 Definitive Sets?
The 2023 Definitive Sets will be available to purchase from 6pm (BST) on 12 October 2023 from The Royal Mint’s website.
Can I buy them if I live outside the UK?
Yes, the 2023 Definitive Coin Set is available worldwide.
Can I buy the coins individually?
The new 2023 Definitive coins are sold as commemorative sets. An individual UK 50p coin can be purchased at The Royal Mint Experience as a strike your own coin option, from Monday 16 October, 9am (BST).
Will the 2023 Definitive Sets be available to buy from The Royal Mint Experience?
You will be able to order 2023 Definitive Sets in The Royal Mint Experience gift shop from 9am on 13 October 2023 but stock will not be available to take home. You will have the option to have your order posted to you or reserved for collection. You will not be charged postage or a reservation fee if ordering from The Royal Mint Experience. Guests opting for collection will be contacted once the products are available and ready to collect.
How long will delivery take?
Orders will be despatched to customers within six to eight weeks for Brilliant Uncirculated sets and within four to six weeks for Precious Metals sets.
Why is there a wait for delivery?
As the official maker of UK coins it is important that each one meets our exacting standards. The new coins are currently in production, meaning we have limited physical stock at present. Customers can expect to receive their orders within six to eight weeks.
Why do the coins have a flora and fauna theme?
For more than 50 years, His Majesty has campaigned on environmental issues, passionately communicating the importance of preserving the Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
The eight new designs pay tribute to the four nations of the United Kingdom, as well as conservation and the natural world – subjects close to His Majesty The King’s heart.
Will heraldic inspired designs remain on coins?
Heraldic inspired designs feature prominently across British coinage and will continue to have a key influence on coins produced by The Royal Mint.
The new 2023 Definitive designs take inspiration from the history of British coinage, while also looking to the future. The eight new designs pay tribute to the four nations of the United Kingdom, as well as celebrating conservation and the natural world – causes close to His Majesty’s heart.
All eight coin designs also feature an intricate pattern formed of three interlocking C’s, which link back to the reign of Charles II. This interlocking pattern represents a link to historical royal iconography and the transition to a new reign.
Why were these specific species chosen?
Many of the animals that feature in the designs are considered endangered, whilst some represent conservation success stories.
Why is there a privy mark on the 2023 Definitive Coins?
To mark the significance of a new set of Definitive coins, the obverse of each 2023-dated commemorative coin features an exclusive coronation privy mark in the form of the Tudor crown.
The Tudor crown forms part of The King’s cypher and will be used in representations of the Royal Arms, military badges and crown badges.
A privy mark traditionally signifies a coin’s minting source or a special occasion.
Will the 2024 Definitive Coins have a privy mark?
No, the privy mark is exclusive to the 2023-dated commemorative sets, to mark the introduction of a new set of Definitive coins and mark the year of His Majesty King Charles III's coronation.
Was His Majesty King Charles III involved in the design of the new coins?
Providing feedback throughout the process, His Majesty’s involvement with the design process of the new 2023 Definitive coins is testament to his passion for craft and the arts. Each of the new designs have been personally approved by His Majesty and we have been informed that The King is extremely pleased the coin designs and their representation of conservation and the natural world in the United Kingdom.
Will the 2023 Definitive coins enter circulation?
The new definitive coins will enter circulation in line with demand from banks and post offices. We expect the first coins to enter circulation by the end of the year.
You can find out more on how UK coins enter circulation by watching the following video: How do coins enter circulation? - YouTube
We would also encourage you to keep an eye on our social media channels for further updates about coins entering circulation.
Will coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II be withdrawn from circulation?
All current coins bearing the coinage portrait of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation. The new 2023 Definitive coins will enter circulation in line with demand.
Can I still spend coins featuring the coinage portrait of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II?
Yes. All United Kingdom circulating coins bearing the coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender and in circulation.
When will all the coins be changed?
The new Definitive coins will enter circulation in line with demand. At this time, we do not have confirmed dates for when each denomination will enter circulation.
We would encourage you to keep an eye on our social media channels for further updates about coins entering circulation.
Will there be a Strike Your Own coin?
For a limited time only, from 16 October 2023, visitors to The Royal Mint Experience will be able to strike their own 2023 definitive UK 50p coin. The Strike Your Own will be £7.50 per coin.
Guests can purchase up to 3 coins per person, per tour, with tours limited to 1 per person, per day.
The first of these coins is available for guests to strike themselves, with the additional two having been prestruck earlier that same day.
When will the Strike Your Own change?
The next SYO coin will be announced ahead of the changeover.
We would encourage you to keep an eye on our social media channels for further updates.
Why weren't these released with the 2023 Annual Sets?
As the official maker of UK coins, The Royal Mint are experiencing one of its biggest changes to coinage since Decimalisation. As such, the 2023 Definitive Coin Set was not available to purchase at the beginning of the year.
If you are an annual recipient of the Definitive Coin Set, a 2023 Definitive Set will be despatched to you when available.
When will the 2024 Annual Sets and 2024 Definitive Coin Sets launch?
Register your interest to stay up to date with the latest details and information on the launch of the 2024 Annual Sets and 2024 Definitive Coin Sets.
Who designed His Majesty King Charles III’s portrait?
His Majesty’s coinage portrait was designed by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings. Martin has been making public sculptures in the United Kingdom for many years, including John Betjeman at St Pancras Station and George Orwell outside BBC Broadcasting House. You can find out more about The King’s official coinage portrait by watching the following video: Meet Martin Jennings, designer of His Majesty King Charles III's first official coin portrait. - YouTube
Why isn’t The King wearing a crown?
Coinage portraits of British kings have not included a crown for hundreds of years. All circulating and commemorative coins outside of a regal occasion, will feature the uncrowned portrait of The King.
Why does The King’s portrait face the opposite way to the Queen?
This is a long-standing tradition which dates back to the Reformation. You can read about the history here: Coinage Portrait Tradition | The Royal Mint
Why is Charles written in English instead of Latin?
We have continued the tradition of Latin on the coinage of The King through the inscription surrounding the portrait, which reads “• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022” - which equates to 'Charles III, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith'. However, we wanted to ensure it was accessible to a modern audience by adopting the more familiar Charles.
Will the range include a Silver Proof Piedfort Set?
The core range launching on 12 October 2023 does not include a silver Proof Piedfort set. A silver Proof Piedfort set may be available at a later date.