2023 King Charles III Base Metal BU Definitive Annual - 8 Coin Set

The 2023 Base Metal BU Definitive Annual 8-Coin Set contains the first UK definitive coins issued during King Charles III's reign. These coins have been personally approved by the King himself.

Designed by the Royal Mint engravers, these coins feature eight distinct reverse designs, highlighting King Charles III's passion, whilst also representing the four nations of the UK.

• Manufactured by The Royal Mint
• Contains 8 coins: £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p
• Features the official coinage portrait of HM King Charles III, by Martin Jennings
• Obverses feature a special coronation privy mark
• Brilliant Uncirculated finish

These coins come issued in a colourful presentation folder. 

The First UK Definitive Annual Coins Since Queen Elizabeth II's Reign

The Royal Mint's first set of definitive UK coins, issued during King Charles III's reign, showcases new reverse designs for the first time in 15 years. The most recent designs on our nation's coinage were the Royal Shield of Arms, introduced by the Royal Mint in 2008.

These designs were used on circulating coinage, even after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Soon, these new definitive reverse designs will be familiar to the UK population.

King Charles III Accession

On the afternoon of 8th September, 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, passed away at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in the presence of her family.

It was not until 10th September, 2022 that His Majesty King Charles III's formal proclamation of ascension to the throne was made, as the Accession Council convened at St James's Palace in London.

The obverse of these definitive UK coins features the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, by Martin Jennings. The obverses also feature a special coronation privy mark. 

The 8 definitive reverse designs of this coin set beautifully capture the diverse flora and fauna of the United Kingdom. Each design is engraved to represent animals, some of which are endangered, and plants from all four nations. These designs not only pay homage to the rich biodiversity of the UK but also reflect King Charles III's profound passion for conservation. Here's a breakdown of the designs for each coin:

• £2: Floral emblems representing each nation: the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the Welsh daffodil, and the Irish clover.
• £1: The industrious honeybee
• 50 Pence: The majestic Atlantic salmon, representing the freshwater life of the UK.
• 20 Pence: The charming puffin, a bird that graces the coastal areas of the UK.
• 10 Pence: The capercaillie, an endangered breed of woodland grouse.
• 5 Pence:  An oak tree leaf.
• 2 Pence: The playful red squirrel, a common sight in UK woodlands.
• 1 Penny: The delicate dormouse.