Last Queen Elizabeth II £1 Coins Enter UK Circulation
Exciting news is unfolding in the UK as the final batch of £1 coins featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II is officially entering circulation. Over 23 million coins, dated 2021 and 2022, are now being released, marking what the Royal Mint has described as a “pivotal moment in British coinage history.” For many, these coins represent more than just currency—they are a tangible piece of history, capturing the legacy of a monarch whose face has adorned UK coins for decades.
Alongside the Queen’s final coins, the Royal Mint is also releasing 7.5 million £1 coins featuring King Charles III. While his portrait has been appearing on 50p and £1 coins since 2023, this latest release helps signify the ongoing transition of the monarchy in a physical, everyday way. Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coins, highlighted that seeing these coins in circulation is “a physical representation of our monarchy’s transition.” She also noted that finding them in your change could spark a rewarding hobby for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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Interestingly, the coins were actually minted up to four years ago but are only being issued now due to the continued demand for £1 coins. The 2022 coins will become the rarest of Queen Elizabeth II’s £1 coins, with only 7.735 million entering circulation. To put that in perspective, there are approximately 24.7 billion coins circulating across the UK, meaning King Charles III’s coins currently make up just 0.004% of all coins—making them highly sought after by collectors.
The design of the new King Charles III coins carries special meaning as well. They feature an intricate bee motif on the reverse, reflecting the King’s love of nature. This is just one of eight new designs that will appear across UK coins, from 1p to £2, showcasing the nation’s flora and fauna. Animals such as the red squirrel, puffin, and dormouse are featured, and larger numerals on the coins aim to help children learn to identify and count money more easily.
Even though the designs have changed, all UK coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside her son’s coins. With coins generally lasting around 20 years in active circulation, it’s expected that both monarchs’ coins will coexist for a long time to come. The Royal Mint, based in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been producing circulating coinage for England since the time of Alfred the Great, continuing a long tradition of commemorating Britain’s rulers on its currency.
In the coming weeks, people across the UK can expect to spot these historic coins in their pockets and in tills, offering a small but meaningful reminder of the nation’s rich history and the changing face of the monarchy.
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