On August 20, 2025, the Royal Mint announced a momentous occasion in the history of British currency: the final batch of £1 coins featuring the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II has officially entered circulation across the United Kingdom. This release, totaling more than 23 million coins dated 2021 and 2022, marks the last time the beloved monarch’s image will grace new £1 coins, closing a chapter that spanned more than seven decades of her reign.
But that’s not all. Alongside these historic coins, 7.5 million brand new £1 coins bearing the effigy of King Charles III are also making their way into tills and pockets nationwide. According to the Royal Mint, this dual release of nearly 31 million coins is more than just a logistical update—it’s a tangible symbol of the transition from Britain’s longest-reigning monarch to her successor, King Charles III. The event is being hailed as a “pivotal moment in British coinage history,” as described by Rebecca Morgan, the Mint’s director of commemorative coin. She explained, “As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we’re witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy’s transition.”
The significance of this transition is not lost on collectors and the general public alike. The 2022-dated Queen Elizabeth II coins are set to become the rarest £1 denomination in active circulation. With only 7.735 million of these particular coins being released, they are expected to be highly sought after by numismatists and casual collectors. The Royal Mint is encouraging everyone to keep an eye on their change in the coming weeks, as both the Queen’s and King’s coins begin to appear more frequently in everyday transactions. “Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency,” Morgan added, highlighting the Mint’s hope that a new wave of coin collectors might be inspired by this unique moment.
The new King Charles III £1 coins are notable for more than just their royal portrait. They feature an intricate bee design on the tails side, a nod to the King’s well-documented love of nature. This design is part of the Royal Mint’s Definitive collection, which draws inspiration from the rich flora and fauna of the British Isles. Over time, the Mint plans to roll out eight new coin designs, each celebrating iconic British wildlife, such as the red squirrel, puffin, and dormouse. These new coins also include larger numbers to help children identify figures and learn to count—an educational touch that makes the changeover even more meaningful for families.
Since the introduction of King Charles III’s effigy on UK coinage in 2023, only the £1 and 50p denominations have entered circulation with his portrait. The first batch of King Charles III £1 coins—approximately 2.975 million—was released in August 2024 from the Royal Mint’s facility in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Despite the excitement surrounding the new monarch’s coins, they currently make up a minuscule fraction of the UK’s circulating currency. Out of an estimated 24.7 billion coins in use across the country, the King’s coins account for just 0.004%, making them especially desirable to collectors eager to nab these early editions.
It’s no accident that the Queen Elizabeth II coins are only now entering circulation, despite some having been struck up to four years ago. The Royal Mint explained that the timing of this release was driven by demand for £1 coins. By releasing the last of the Queen’s coins alongside the new King’s coins, the Mint is ensuring a smooth transition while also minimizing environmental impact and cost. There’s no mass withdrawal of old coins; instead, both the Queen’s and King’s coins will remain legal tender and circulate side by side for years to come. As coins in the UK typically last about 20 years, it’s likely that both monarchs’ coins will be found together in Brits’ pockets for decades.
The coexistence of these coins isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s also a nod to the country’s deep respect for tradition and continuity. The Royal Mint has produced the circulating coinage of each of Britain’s monarchs since the time of Alfred the Great, and this latest transition stands as another link in that long, unbroken chain. The Mint’s approach also helps to reduce the environmental footprint and financial burden that would come with abruptly swapping out billions of coins.
For collectors, this dual release is nothing short of a golden opportunity. As Morgan put it, “This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting.” The rarity of the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins, combined with the novelty of the King Charles III coins, is expected to drive interest from both established collectors and those who may be inspired to start a new hobby. The Mint’s encouragement for the public to check their change is more than just a friendly reminder—it’s an invitation to participate in a living piece of British history.
The new coin designs themselves are a celebration of British heritage. The bee motif on the King’s £1 coin, for example, is more than just decorative. It reflects King Charles III’s passion for the environment and his commitment to protecting the natural world. Similarly, the planned rollout of coins featuring native animals underscores a broader effort to connect the nation’s currency with its unique biodiversity. The larger numbers on each coin are a thoughtful addition, making the coins more accessible to children and helping to foster financial literacy from an early age.
All this change comes in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022 and King Charles III’s subsequent accession to the throne. The gradual introduction of new coins, rather than an abrupt overhaul, is intended to honor the legacy of the late Queen while welcoming the new era under King Charles III. As the Royal Mint continues its centuries-old tradition, the story of Britain’s monarchy is once again being told—one coin at a time.
For now, Britons will have the rare opportunity to hold history in their hands, whether they find the last of the Queen’s coins or the first of the King’s. It’s a subtle, everyday reminder of the nation’s enduring traditions and its capacity for renewal—one that will jingle in pockets and tills for years to come.