(ANSA) - LONDON, SEPTEMBER 30 - The official effigy of King Charles III has been unveiled, which will appear on the new coins in circulation in the United Kingdom with the announcement by the RoyalMint, the British Mint.
The portrait is the work of the sculptor Martin Jennings and was taken from a photo and personally approved by the sovereign.
"It is the smallest work I have ever made", said the artist, thrilled that lesterline "will be held in the hand by so many people".
According to tradition, the effigy of the king looks to the left, opposite direction to that of the late Queen Elizabeth which is found on the current coins in circulation.
The first issues with the portrait of the sovereign are a £ 5 and a 50p commemorative coin which will go into circulation in December.
They bear an inscription in Latin, "CHARLES III. DG REX. FD", which stands for "King Charles III, the grace of God, defender of the faith".
From the beginning of next year, all other penny coins up to £ 2 will also be minted with the same image of the king.
As also for banknotes, a gradual replacement process is envisaged with respect to those depicting Elisabetta, which continue to be legal tender.
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