New King Charles 5p coins enter circulation confirms Royal Mint
People will see the first 5p coins bearing King Charles’ official portrait appear in their wallets and pockets over the next few weeks.
The Royal Mint has announced that some 23.2 million King Charles 5p coins have entered circulation across the UK.
The mint said in a statement that the coins were dated and struck in October 2023 but were only being put into circulation at this time due to increased demand for the 5p.
The Mint said it was another opportunity for coin collectors and the public to find historic coins in their daily exchange, adding that this was the first time the 5p note had been put into circulation bearing the face of King Charles.
The Mint said that since the introduction of the King’s portrait on UK coins in 2022, collectors have been eagerly seeking coins bearing the new royal effigy.
King Charles coins represent just 0.2% of the 24.605 billion coins currently in circulation in the UK.
The new 5p coins feature an oak tree leaf design on the reverse or ‘tail’ side, symbolizing the tree’s role as a biodiversity-rich habitat in woodlands. The oak tree has a long association with monarchs and the design highlights the King’s passion for protection.
Rebecca Morgan, commemorative coin manager at the Royal Mint, said: “We are delighted to see Her Majesty’s first 5p coins enter circulation at the request of the public.
“The oak leaf design beautifully represents the deep connection between our monarchy and the natural world and reflects King Charles III’s lifelong commitment to environmental conservation.
“These coins offer the public a wonderful opportunity to discover a piece of living history in its daily changes, and for many, finding one of these special coins can be the start of a fascinating journey into the world of coin collecting.”
Ms Morgan added that it was “rare” for the 5p design to change, with the last design circulating in 2008.
He said: “Not only is this the first time the 5p has depicted the statue of His Majesty King Charles III, it is also the first change of design for one of the smallest coins in circulation in 17 years.” The coins will be available through post offices and bank branches nationwide.
The Mint also allocated a special amount to Post Office branches that included “oak” in their name or were located near well-known trees.
These branches include The Oaks Post Office in Dungannon, Northern Ireland; Jubilee Oak post office, Braintree in Essex; Oaktree Road Post Office, Southampton; Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands; County Oak, Brighton; Allerton Road post office (near Allerton Oak), Liverpool; Newtown post office (Brimmon Oak), Powys, Wales; and Larkhall post office (Cadzows Oaks), Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Post Office supply chain manager Russell Hancock said: “We are incredibly proud to support the introduction and circulation of this first 5p coin bearing the official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III.
“We know that many coin enthusiasts visit our branches and so we are particularly pleased that our postmasters who operate branches with the word ‘oak’ in their name or are located near the famous oak trees will receive a special amount.”
The introduction of the coins marks the third banknote bearing the portrait of King Charles to enter circulation. It is the continuation of the 5p, 50p and £1 coin.
The Royal Mint said it encouraged people to check their exchanges in the coming weeks as these new coins begin to change.
Mint, Queen Elizabeth II. He said UK coins bearing Elizabeth’s effigy remain legal tender and in active circulation, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal environmental impact and cost.
