King Charles reaches new milestone

King Charles has marked a new chapter by unveiling a fresh coin and portrait to strenghten his reign.

The coin featuring the monarch's portrait released on Wednesday. The change represents the first modifications to the five pence piece in seventeen years.

The Royal Mint is set to distribute 23.2 million newly minted five pence coins as a shining symbol of heritage and renewal. 

The historic release represents the inaugural appearance of the King's effigy on the 5p coin. However, previous coins displaying Queen Elizabeth II's image continue as valid currency.

The design choice also reflects the King's longstanding commitment to environmental preservation, showing an oak tree leaf motif.

Coins depicting King Charles III currently constitute just 0.2% of the 24.605 billion pieces in circulation throughout Britain, though this proportion will increase as new denominations enter the monetary system.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, expressed enthusiasm about the public finally receiving the King’s first five pence pieces, saying: "The oak leaf design beautifully represents the deep connection between our monarchy and the natural world, reflecting King Charles III's lifelong dedication to environmental conservation.

The official went on describe it as a milestone, explaining: "This makes it not only the first time the 5p depicts His Majesty King Charles III's effigy, but also the first design change for one of the smallest coins in circulation in 17 years."

King Charles celebrates milstone with Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace

The monarch 76, and his wife Queen Camilla, 78, are currently on historic State Visit to the Holy See, where they met Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace amid celebration of the 2025 Papal Jubilee.