The official effigy of King Charles III has been unveiled and will appear on the new coins in circulation in the United Kingdom with the announcement by the Royal Mint, 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 he has ever made," said the artist, thrilled that the pounds "will be held in the hand of so many people".
According to tradition, the king's effigy looks to the left, in the opposite direction to that of the late Queen Elizabeth found on the current coins in circulation.
The first issues with the portrait of the sovereign are a 5 pound commemorative coin and a 50 pence coin which will go into circulation from December.
They bear a
Latin inscription, "CHARLES III. DG REX. FD", which stands for "King Charles III, by the grace of God, defender of the faith".
From the beginning of next year, all other penny to £ 2 coins 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 Elizabeth, which continue to be legal tender.
