Tens of millions of rare Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins enter circulation across the UK
The Royal Mint has announced that the final batch of a scarce coin has entered circulation throughout the UK. More than 23,000,000 Queen Elizabeth II £1 coins are being distributed alongside 7.5 million fresh King Charles III £1 coins.
The Royal Mint stated that the last of the Elizabeth II coins, bearing the date 2022, are the scarcest £1 coins currently in active use.
This combined release of more than 30 million coins marks a historic moment for UK currency, as the country observes the transition from Britain's longest-serving monarch to her son and successor on the £1 denomination, the Royal Mint explained.
Queen Elizabeth's £1 coins will be the last ones displaying the late Queen's image to reach circulation, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: "This release represents a pivotal moment in British coinage history.
"As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we're witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy's transition.
"This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting."
The Royal Mint is urging the public to examine its change over the forthcoming weeks, as the fresh coins start to emerge in pockets and tills nationwide.
Ms Morgan went on: "Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency."
Since the King's image was first introduced on UK coinage in 2023, only the 50p and £1 coins featuring Charles's portrait have been circulated.
The King's £1 coins, which showcase a detailed bee design on the reverse, are part of the Definitive collection, inspired by the British Isles' rich flora and fauna.
Around 2.975million £1 coins bearing the King's image were released in August last year.
In total, approximately 24.7 billion coins are currently in circulation across the UK, with the King's coins making up a mere 0.004 per cent of this number, making these new coins highly sought after by collectors.
All UK coins that bear the Queen's portrait will continue to be legal tender and remain in active circulation to ensure a smooth transition and minimise both environmental impact and cost.
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Elsewhere, an expert has urged Brits to keep an eye out for a"rare" and "valuable" 50p coin worth far more than its face value. A specific version of this 2011 coin could sell for as much as £2,000.
According to the Coin Collecting Wizard, an expert who shares advice online, the coin you want to get your hands on is part of a collection to commemorate the 2012 Olympics in London.
Known as the 'aquatics' coin it features a swimmer wearing goggles and a cap.
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