Regal revolution: King Charles III takes over Australian currency as nation prepares for historic change

In an exciting development for coin collectors and everyday Australians alike, a significant change is coming to the nation’s currency.

This new update promises to bring a fresh look to the coins we use daily, marking a historic moment in our monetary system.

Get ready to learn about the intriguing changes set to enter circulation and what this means for your pocket change.


As the winds of change sweep across the Commonwealth, Australians are set to witness a historic shift in their currency.

From next week, the visage of King Charles III will grace all new Australian coins, marking a monumental transition and the end of an era.

This change comes after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned from 1952 until 2022, marking the first time in 70 years that Australia's coins will display the effigy of a King instead of a Queen.


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From May 21, newly minted Australian coins showcasing King Charles III's effigy will enter circulation. Credits: Royal Australian Mint


The Royal Australian Mint officially announced that starting May 21, the effigy of King Charles III will be featured on the obverse side of all new coins entering circulation.

This event is not just a simple update; according to Leigh Gordon, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint, it's a significant moment in the Mint's 59-year history, as it's the first time the institution has had to update the monarch on its full suite of legal tender.

The final proof coin, a collector's item containing all six Australian standard coins with the King’s profile, has been minted and will be sent to King Charles himself as a gift.

This gesture continues a longstanding tradition that began when Prince Philip received the first full set of decimal coins adorned with Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy after he inaugurated the Mint in 1965.

For numismatists and history buffs alike, the King Charles III 2024 Six-Coin Uncirculated Year Set will also be released, offering a tangible piece of this historic transition.


‘The change of monarch was a significant undertaking that involved multiple stakeholders including the Royal Mint in Wales, the Australian government and Buckingham Palace,’ Mr Gordon explained.

‘’The production of the coins also required design, engineering and production expertise at the Royal Australian Mint to ensure the coins were manufactured effectively across all denominations, sizes and metals.’

The late Queen Elizabeth II's effigy was replaced by King Charles III's on the obverse of coins late last year, and the new $1 coin is already in circulation.

‘The new $1 coin is now in circulation and the 5c and $2 rolls were recently released,’ Mr Gordon added.

‘Next Tuesday will be a momentous occasion for Australia. The King Charles effigy will be available on all six circulating coins.’


As Australia prepares for the introduction of coins featuring King Charles III, anticipation and curiosity surround the public reception of this historic change.

The transition from Queen Elizabeth II's effigy to that of King Charles marks a significant shift in the nation's currency and cultural landscape.

Meanwhile, social media became abuzz with the recent release of King Charles’ first official portrait since his coronation.

Some users have found themselves captivated by a rather unexpected aspect of the portrait, prompting discussions about its peculiar resemblance.
Key Takeaways
  • All new Australian coins featuring King Charles III’s effigy will start circulating from May 21.
  • A proof set of the new coins has been minted and will be gifted to King Charles III as part of a tradition.
  • The Royal Australian Mint has released the first full set of legal coins with the new monarch's profile for the first time in its 59-year history.
  • The transition to the new monarch's coinage marks the first effigy change on Australian coins in 70 years, since the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
What are your thoughts on this historic change? Will you be looking to collect these new coins for posterity, or perhaps as a memento for future generations? Share your views and let us know how you feel about this royal update to our currency.
 
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Only collect this set if you want Charlie on your coins, many collectors are not interested in this set. They want Charlie to let the next generation take over. Then there will be a rush to collect a set of coins.
 
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Reactions: Adnamy
They will only go up in value when he dies, but there will be so many of them out there, so it won't go up that much.
 
I've always been an avid collector of Royalty Coins, including those commemorating significant events in the late Queen's life and previous monarchs as well as ones commemorating the newest additions. I'm excited to see this new set and add it to my collection.
 

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