People across the UK will soon begin spotting a notable change in their small change, as the very first 5p coins featuring the official portrait of King Charles III begin circulating for the first time.
According to the Royal Mint, a staggering 23.2 million of these newly designed 5p pieces are now entering circulation after being minted nearly a year ago, in October 2023.
King Charles Coins in Circulation: What You Need to Know
The release had been on hold until a recent spike in demand for the 5p coin triggered the distribution.
“We are delighted to see His Majesty’s first 5p coins entering circulation following public demand,” said Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint.
This launch marks the first time the 5p coin carries the effigy of King Charles III, making it a moment of historic significance not only for collectors but for the general public.
The King’s portrait was first introduced on UK currency back in 2022, and while 50p and £1 coins featuring his image are already in pockets nationwide, this 5p release is the third denomination to bear his likeness.
In terms of scale, however, the King’s coins still make up a tiny fraction of what’s out there, just 0.2% of the 24.6 billion coins currently circulating in the UK.
Design Rich with Symbolism
Flipping the coin reveals more than just currency; it’s a nod to nature and heritage.
The reverse side of the new 5p features a detailed oak leaf design, honouring the oak tree’s status as a symbol of longevity, monarchy, and biodiversity. The design underlines the King’s lifelong commitment to conservation, a subject he has championed for decades.
“The oak leaf design beautifully represents the deep connection between our monarchy and the natural world. These coins offer the public a wonderful opportunity to discover a piece of living history in their everyday change,” Morgan noted.
The design change is especially notable because it’s incredibly rare for the 5p coin to receive a redesign. The last update came in 2008, making this the first change in 17 years.
Where to Find the New King Charles 5p Coins in the UK
If you’re keen to spot one of these in the wild, keep an eye on your change and particularly at your local Post Office or bank branch. That’s where the Royal Mint is funnelling most of the supply.
But here’s the twist: some special Post Office branches are receiving exclusive allocations. Why? Because they either have “oak” in their name or are located near well-known oak trees.
These include:
- The Oaks Post Office, Dungannon (Northern Ireland)
- Jubilee Oak, Braintree (Essex)
- Oaktree Road Post Office, Southampton
- Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands)
- County Oak, Brighton
- Allerton Road Post Office, near the Allerton Oak (Liverpool)
- Newtown Post Office, Brimmon Oak (Powys, Wales)
- Larkhall Post Office, near the Cadzow Oaks (South Lanarkshire, Scotland)
“We know that many coin enthusiasts visit our branches… We’re particularly pleased that our postmasters who operate branches with ‘oak’ in their name, or are located close to famous oak trees, will receive a special quantity,” said Russell Hancock, Supply Chain Director at the Post Office.
Still Legal: Queen Elizabeth II Coins
In case you’re wondering, coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II remain valid and in circulation. The Royal Mint emphasised that the transition to coins with King Charles’s image is designed to be gradual and environmentally responsible, keeping costs and waste to a minimum.
So while these new coins are slowly filtering into public hands, older coins remain just as spendable. The Royal Mint is encouraging everyone to check their coins carefully in the coming weeks.
For collectors, history buffs, and everyday spenders alike, stumbling across one of these new 5p coins could be a surprisingly exciting find and perhaps even the start of a new hobby.
With such a limited initial release and a design that blends tradition, monarchy, and the environment, this small coin may end up carrying a far greater value in history than in currency.
