The first official coin portrait of King Charles III was unveiled by the Royal Mint last night. The portrait was designed by Martin Jennings FRSS and personally approved by His Majesty The King.
The first coins to feature the effigy will enter circulation by the end of the year.
Each time a monarch ascends the throne, their coinage portrait faces in the opposite direction to that of their predecessor.
It is said to have started because Charles II wanted to turn his back on Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth.
The long-standing tradition continues to this day, meaning His Majesty The King will face to the left on his coinage, as Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II faced right.
