For the first time, a crowned portrait of King Charles will appear on a new series of commemorative coins to mark the forthcoming coronation.
The coin collection, which includes a 50p and a £5 coin, will be launched later this month, ahead of the historic May 6 celebration of the coronation of the British king.
The first crowned portrait of King Charles will appear on new Coronation coins (photos).
Martin Jennings, an artist and sculptor, designed the effigy, which represents King Charles III wearing the Tudor Crown.
The King chose the Tudor Crown for the image despite the fact that it no longer exists, having been burned in the 1640s.
The first crowned portrait of King Charles will appear on new Coronation coins (photos).
The first crowned portrait of King Charles will appear on new Coronation coins (photos).The first crowned portrait of King Charles will appear on new Coronation coins (photos).
It follows in the tradition of the crown appearing in photographs of prior kings from the twentieth century, notably his great grandpa, King George VI.
Jennings described the photo as “both dignified and celebratory for this historic occasion.”
The first crowned portrait of King Charles will appear on new Coronation coins (photos).
The first crowned portrait of King Charles will appear on new Coronation coins (photos).
Natasha Jenkins, The Royal Mint’s resident designer, will also create a drawing of Westminster Abbey for the 50p coin. The artwork also features King Charles’ cypher and crown to represent him inside the abbey where he would be crowned.
Timothy Noad designed the £5 coin, which depicts the religious and symbolic artefacts used in the coronation ceremony, known as the Coronation Regalia and the St Edward’s Crown.
The coin collection also includes a variety of ounce coins in various editions and sizes, each with the King’s crowned portrait on one side and an ornate design by John Bergdahl on the other.
The 50p coins will be available for purchase from 9 a.m. on April 24 for between £11 and £1,220, while the £5 coins will cost between £14.50 and £2,995.
A 1kg pure gold proof coin incorporating Mr Jennings and Mr Bergdahl’s designs will also be available for £77,565.
According to the Bank of England, five million 50p coins will be issued later in 2023, with the original, uncrowned image of Charles by Mr Jennings and the commemorative Westminster Abbey drawing by Ms Jenkins.
This follows the release of five million commemorative 50p coins following the King’s accession to the throne.
