The final proof of 2024 coins bearing the head of Australia’s new monarch has been minted and will be included as a gift to King Charles by the Royal Australian Mint.
The production of the new coins represents the first time in the Mint’s 59 years of history that a full suite of six coins will be changed from the late Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III.
Mint CEO Leigh Gordon said the new $1 coin featuring King Charles was already in circulation and that the 5c and $2 rolls had recently been released.
“Next Tuesday will be a momentous occasion for Australia. The King Charles effigy will be available on all six circulating coins,” Gordon said.
The side of a coin with the reigning monarch’s head depicted on it is known as the ‘obverse’ side of a coin.
With each new sovereign, the direction in which the monarch’s head is facing changes. In keeping with this tradition, King Charles’ effigy will face the left.
Another long-running tradition is to give the monarch the first issue of new coins.
In 1965, King Charles’ father, Phillip, received the very first full set of Australian decimal coins bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Gordon said changing Australia’s coins was a “significant undertaking” that required design, engineering and production expertise. His team also had to liaise with the Royal Mint in Wales, the Australian government and Buckingham Palace to produce the 2024 coins.
“The production [mission was to] ensure the coins were manufactured effectively across all denominations, sizes and metals,” Gordon said.
This will be the first time in 70 years Australia’s coins feature the effigy of a king rather than a queen.
Coin collectors and members of the public can register for a ballot (closing 8.30am, Tuesday, May 21) to purchase the first full set of coins featuring King Charles III’s image on the obverse.
For sale will be a 2024 uncirculated year set (RRP $40) and a 2024 six-coin-proof year set (RRP $150) featuring King Charles.
The items will be sold by participating authorised distributors, the Mint Contact Centre and the Mint Coin Shop located in the Canberra Museum and Gallery.
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