Australians will soon see coins featuring the head of King Charles III as the Australian Mint releases the first batch into circulation.
Millions more coins will be created in the coming months, making them increasingly common among those who still use coins.
King Charles III is only the second monarch to feature on Australia’s coin, with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning head of the Commonwealth when the country switched to decimal currency in 1966.
New $1 coins featuring King Charles III have been delivered to banks in Australia
The first batch of 3.5 million $1 coins bearing King Charles III’s image have been delivered to banks. Other denominations will follow, depending on the bank’s demand.
For coin collectors, special versions designed to be kept rather than spent will go on sale early next year.
Assistant Minister for Finance Andrew Leigh said the release of the coins was a significant event for Australia.
“For most Australians, this will be the first time they have owned a king coin.
‘A lot of work went into the production of these coins. Millions of people will love to have their own piece of history.
‘According to a tradition dating back at least to the 17th century, successive monarchs are depicted on the coins facing different directions. Queen Elizabeth II looked to the right. King Charles III now looks to the left.’
All coins and banknotes bearing the image of Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender.
Unlike the Queen, King Charles has chosen not to be depicted with a crown in his likeness.
The Royal Australian Mint has also released a 50 cent coin commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth, with the six versions of her image all appearing on the coin.
The Royal Australian Mint has also released a 50 cent coin commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth, featuring the six versions of her portrait
Some people have already gone to banks to pick up the new King Charles III coins, with uncirculated rolls of the coins appearing online for up to five times their value.
The Royal Australian Mint has confirmed that 10 million new coins will be minted so they will be ‘easily accessible’.
The stamps used for coins featuring the Queen will be gradually removed from next year.
