Royal mint has revealed eight new coins featuring King Charles
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The new coin designs reflect the King's passion for conservation and the natural world
(Web Desk) - The Royal Mint expects that the first coins will enter circulation by the end of 2023.
The designs, which will feature on coins ranging from the 1p to the £2, will soon start to appear in people's change across the UK.
Flora and fauna inspire the new coins which celebrate creatures such as the red squirrel, the hazel dormouse and the bee.
Flowers and the oak tree leaf are also depicted on the new coins.
All eight coin designs have been approved by the King himself.
The new change will enter circulation in line with demand from banks and Post Offices.
The Royal Mint expects that the first coins will enter circulation by the end of 2023.
It said that the new definitives – mark the final chapter of the King's transition onto coinage.
But coins featuring the late Queen will continue to exist in people's change, co-circulating with the coins featuring Charles.
The new coins are unified by a repeating pattern, featuring three interlocking Cs.
This aspect of the design takes its inspiration from history and the cypher of Charles II, while the flora and fauna look to the future and the importance of the natural world, the Royal Mint said.
Anne Jessopp, chief executive officer of the Royal Mint, said: "This is a rare and historic moment as the complete set of UK coins change to celebrate a new monarch on the throne.
"The striking designs have been seen by His Majesty and reflect his commitment to conservation and the natural world, as well as celebrating British craftsmanship."
Gordon Summers, chief engraver at the Royal Mint, said: "Flora and fauna have deep roots in the history of UK coinage, but this is the first time that all eight coins have celebrated nature and wildlife.
"It takes a great deal of skill to create art on a canvas as small as a 1p or £1 coin.
"The Royal Mint has honed our expertise over 1,100 years and we can't wait to see the new coins in the hands of the nation."
Each coin has been created with the support of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Collectors can also buy a commemorative set of the new designs from the Royal Mint's website, priced from £33.
Will you find a bee or a red squirrel in your change? Here is a full description of the new coins:
