With the death of Her Late Queen Elizabeth II in September, many were left wondering how coins and other numismatic products would move forward as her effigy has graced the obverse for 70 years. According to CNN, King Charles III’s coin portrait has officially been unveiled with his likeness to be featured on coins featuring this year's date.
Unveiled by the Royal Mint, his image will first appear on a commemorative £5 and 50 pence coin to honor the life of the late Queen. It was designed by sculptor Martin Jennings and has the King’s portrait facing left per tradition with his mother’s facing the opposite direction. The inscription surrounding His Majesty’s portrait is featured in Latin: “• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 5 POUNDS • 2022,” which means “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith.”
The portrait of the King, according to Jennings, “was sculpted from a photograph of The King, and was inspired by the iconic effigies that have graced Britain’s coins over the centuries.” The 50 pence coin will be released into circulation in the upcoming months, according to the Royal Mint.
The reverse of the £5 coin will feature new portraits of the Late Queen Elizabeth II as designed by John Bergdahl. The reverse of the 50 pence will feature a design that originally appeared on the Queen’s Coronation Crown coin. It features the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted by the shield and between each shield will be the emblem of each United Kingdom nation: a rose for England, a shamrock for Northern Ireland, a leek for Wales, and a thistle for Scotland.
Source: CNN.com