Celebrate a new chapter in British coinage with the 2023 Charles III Bee £1. Bearing the date of His Majesty’s coronation year, this distinctive coin belongs to the first definitive designs of his reign. Its nature-inspired reverse brings the importance of conservation to an everyday denomination, reflecting The King’s longstanding interest in the natural world.

The reverse features two finely detailed bees, celebrating insects that play a vital role in pollinating plants and fruiting trees. With more than 250 species of bee found across the UK, the design offers a thoughtful tribute to the wildlife of our gardens, parks, woodlands and meadows. It gives this familiar coin a fresh identity while encouraging a closer appreciation of the natural world around us.

Beside the bees, the prominent ‘1 POUND’ denomination appears against a repeating pattern of three interlocking ‘C’s. Inspired by a motif used on the coinage of Charles II, this detail connects the new definitive collection with centuries of royal coin-making tradition. For collectors, it provides an engaging historical reference within a modern wildlife design.

The obverse bears Martin Jennings’ official uncrowned portrait of King Charles III, facing left, accompanied by the royal titles and the 2023 date. Together, the portrait and reverse mark a significant change in the appearance of the nation’s coinage, making this an appealing issue for collectors exploring the opening years of The King’s reign.

The coin retains the distinctive twelve-sided shape and contrasting metal colours of the modern £1. Weighing 8.75g and measuring 23.43mm across, it combines a silver-coloured centre with a gold-coloured outer ring. Fine lettering around the rims records the denomination and year, adding another detail to discover on close inspection.

Whether chosen for its coronation-year date, its bee design or its place within Charles III’s first definitive collection, this 2023 £1 offers a meaningful connection between royal history and Britain’s natural heritage.

*Image is representative of the coin you will receive 

**Struck for general circulation and subsequently acquired by The Royal Mint from the secondary market.