King Charles III 50p coin enters circulation: where to find one

The much-anticipated 50p coin featuring King Charles will be distributed from today.

Coin collectors may want to head down to their local Post Office today if they fancy getting their hands on the new King Charles 50p coin.

The sought-after coin, which is the first to mark the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III, officially enters circulation today (8 December).

Where can I get the new King Charles 50p coin?

A total of 4.9 million coins will be distributed exclusively to Post Offices around the country.

Crucially, not every branch will receive the new King Charles coin.

If you are keen to get your hands on one it might be worth phoning your local outlet first before heading out to see if they made the cut.

At the time of writing, the only branch that definitely has the coins in stock is the Aldwych Post Office branch, which is close to Clarence House, the residence of King Charles III.

The Royal Mint said the coins will be distributed “as change when customers make a purchase in-store”, so this might be an opportunity to replenish your stamp reserves.

All you need to know about the King Charles coin

As mentioned earlier, this is the first coin to bear the King’s portrait.

But as the Royal Mint explains, the 50p also “commemorates the life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth” on the reverse side. 

The King’s effigy was created by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings and has been personally approved by His Majesty, according to the Mint.

“In keeping with tradition, the King’s portrait faces to the left, the opposite direction to Queen Elizabeth II”.

It adds: “The reverse of the 50 pence features a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown.

“It was struck to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation at Westminster Abbey and includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield.

“In between each shield is an emblem of the home nations; a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.”

Will coins featuring the Queen remain legal tender?

It’s important to note that 50p coins still featuring the effigy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender.

As the Mint explains, “historically it has been commonplace for coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to co-circulate.

“This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental impact and cost.

“There are approximately 27 billion coins currently circulating in the UK bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

"These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for new coins."