The Royal Mint of the United Kingdom revealed the official effigy of King Charles III on Friday, which will appear on coins following his succession to the throne.
The new king personally approved the effigy, which was created by British sculptor Martin Jennings. The first coins with the king’s portrait will be a £5 coin and a 50 pence coin commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s life.
According to Jennings, his portrait was sculpted from a photograph of Charles.
“It is the smallest work I have created, but it is humbling to know it will be seen and held by people around the world for centuries to come,” he added.
In line with royal tradition, Charles’ portrait faces to the left, the opposite way to that of the Queen.
A Latin inscription around the effigy reads, “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith.”
The picture of Charles will begin to appear on coins in circulation and commemorative pieces in the coming months, according to a statement from the Royal Mint. The reverse of the commemorative five pound coin will contain two new portraits of Elizabeth.
The Royal Mint has been responsible for depicting monarchs on coins for over 1,100 years since Alfred the Great.
Elizabeth died on September 8 after reigning for a record-breaking 70 years.
According to Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, the late Queen Elizabeth II featured on more coins than any other British monarch.
“Over the coming years it will become common for people to find coins bearing His Majesty and Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy in their change,” he said.
The Royal Mint stated that previously, coins with the effigies of different rulers were commonplace.
“This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental impact and cost.”
In the United Kingdom, over 27 billion coins carrying the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II are now in circulation.
“These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for additional coins,” the Royal Mint noted.