The monarch celebrates renewal and heritage as his effigy appears on the five pence coin for the first time
King Charles III has unveiled a new portrait and coin design to mark a symbolic step forward in his reign. The updated five pence piece, featuring the King’s image, was revealed on Wednesday — the first redesign of the coin in seventeen years.
The Royal Mint will release 23.2 million of the newly minted coins, presenting them as a modern reflection of Britain’s heritage and renewal. While these are the first 5p coins to display King Charles’s effigy, coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait will remain legal tender.
The new design includes an oak leaf motif, chosen to highlight the King’s long-standing dedication to environmental conservation. “The oak leaf design beautifully represents the deep connection between our monarchy and the natural world,” said Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coins at the Royal Mint. She called the launch “a true milestone,” noting that it marks both the King’s first appearance on the 5p coin and the first redesign of the denomination in nearly two decades.
Currently, coins depicting King Charles III make up only 0.2% of the 24.6 billion coins circulating across the UK, though that figure will grow as more denominations enter the system.
In addition to this royal milestone, King Charles and Queen Camilla are on a historic State Visit to the Holy See, where they met Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace. The visit coincides with celebrations for the 2025 Papal Jubilee — a fitting moment of unity and renewal for both church and crown.
