The Albanese Government has revealed the official effigy of His Majesty King Charles III on circulating coins produced by the Royal Australian Mint.
The change has marked a significant shift in Australian numismatic history, as it will be the first time in seven decades that an Australian coin features a reigning king.
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The first coin to bear the image of King Charles III will be the $1 coin, and Australians are expected to find these coins in banks and cash registers before the Christmas season.
Royal Australian Mint chief executive Leigh Gordon said one of the “most asked questions since The Queen’s passing has been when The King will appear on our coins”.
“As Australia’s circulating coin manufacturer, we appreciate the importance of the transition, and we are applying our considerable skill and expertise producing Australia’s coins bearing the new royal effigy,” Mr Gordon said.
He said the staff at the Mint had been very deliberate and measured in the steps to date, and we are now well positioned to expand into production.”
The rollout of other denominations will follow in 2024, based on the demand from financial institutions.
Assistant Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh said, “For seven decades, Australians have seen a Queen on their coins. Every decimal currency coin has featured Queen Elizabeth II.”
“Now, for the first time since 1953, the King’s effigy will appear on an Australian coin,” he said.
Mr Leigh said for most Australians, it would be the first time they have held “a coin with a King”.
Traditionally, the direction of the effigy changes with the reign of a new monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II’s image faced to the right, while King Charles III will face to the left on the new coins, a distinction reflecting the change in leadership.
“These coins will circulate by the millions across Australia for many years.”
All coins carrying the image of Queen Elizabeth will continue to be used as legal currency.
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