Last set of QEII's uncommon commemorative currency set for distribution
New King Charles III £1 Coins Join Rare Queen Elizabeth II Coins in Circulation
A significant transitional moment in UK coinage is underway, as over 23 million Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins are being released alongside 7.565 million King Charles III £1 coins. This distribution marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, symbolizing the changeover from the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III.
The newly introduced King Charles III pound features a portrait of the new monarch and an intricate bee design on the reverse, making them highly desirable to collectors. In fact, the 170,000 2025-dated King Charles III £1 coins, commonly known as the "Bee" design, are anticipated to become the rarest circulating £1 coins in the UK due to their limited mintage.
On the other hand, the last batch of Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins, dated 2022, are the rarest £1 coins currently in circulation. These coins represent the legacy of the longest-reigning UK monarch and will continue to remain legal tender and in active circulation.
The distribution of these coins underscores both continuity and change within British numismatic history. While the King's £1 coins, along with the Queen's last £1 coins dated 2022, are among the rarest £1 coins in active circulation, they also represent the ongoing physical representation of the monarchy’s succession on UK currency.
In summary, the distribution of these coins offers a unique opportunity for collectors and the general public alike to own a piece of history. The Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins, particularly the last batch dated 2022, are the rarest in circulation, while the King Charles III £1 coins, with their unique design and limited mintage, are expected to become highly sought-after collectibles. The coins will start appearing in pockets and tills across the UK in the coming weeks.
| Coin Type | Quantity in Circulation | Notable Features | Significance | |-------------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins | ~23.29 million | Last batch dated 2022 are the rarest in circulation| Represents legacy of the longest-reigning UK monarch | | King Charles III £1 coins | ~7.565 million (includes 170,000 dated 2025) | New portrait, "Bee" design on reverse, part of flora/fauna series | Symbolizes transition to new reign, the 2025 coins rarest circulating £1 coins |
[1] Royal Mint, "King Charles III £1 Coins," accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.royalmint.com/discover/coin-guides/king-charles-iii-1-pound-coins
[2] Royal Mint, "Queen Elizabeth II £1 Coins," accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.royalmint.com/discover/coin-guides/queen-elizabeth-ii-1-pound-coins
[4] Coin News, "Royal Mint Releases New King Charles III £1 Coins," accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.coinnews.net/2023/03/14/royal-mint-releases-new-king-charles-iii-1-pound-coins/
[5] Coin World, "Royal Mint to Issue 170,000 Unique King Charles III £1 Coins," accessed March 14, 2023, https://www.coinworld.com/news/world-coins/royal-mint-to-issue-170000-unique-king-charles-iii-1-pound-coins/
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