Final Queen Elizabeth £1 Coins Enter UK Circulation Alongside New King Charles Coins

The Royal Mint has released the final batch of £1 coins bearing the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, totaling over 23 million coins, alongside 7.5 million new £1 coins featuring King Charles III. These 2022-dated Queen Elizabeth coins are the rarest £1 coins currently in active circulation and mark a historic transition in British coinage from the longest-reigning monarch to her son. The King Charles III coins are part of the Definitive collection, inspired by the flora and fauna of the British Isles, and feature an intricate bee design on the reverse. The Royal Mint encourages the public to check their change as these coins begin circulating widely, presenting an opportunity for both collectors and the public to connect with the nation’s heritage. All coins bearing Queen Elizabeth's portrait remain legal tender to ensure a smooth transition and minimize environmental impact. Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, highlighted this release as a pivotal moment reflecting the physical representation of the monarchy’s changeover.