The Royal Mint unveils new coins featuring British wildlife

The Royal Mint has unveiled eight new coin designs that will soon appear across the UK.

The eight new designs – which include a hazel dormouse, red squirrel, oak leaf, capercaillie, puffin, Atlantic salmon, bees and national flowers – are expected to enter circulation from the end of 2023, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s current shield formation introduced in 2008.

The coin designs have been approved by King Charles III and reflect his passion for Britain’s wildlife.

Collection of new coins — The eight new coins include British flora and fauna/Credit: The Royal Mint

“This is a rare and historic moment as the complete set of UK coins change to celebrate a new monarch on the throne,” said Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint.

“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.

“The Royal Mint has struck Britain’s coins for 1,100 years and this collection will proudly take its place amongst the designs of monarchs ranging from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II. A unique pattern of interlocking C’s adorns each of the new designs. This unifying feature gives a nod to history through the cypher of Charles II while celebrating King Charles III’s commitment to conservation.”

Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint, added: “It is a privilege to work on the official coins of the nation and to ensure we reflect The King and Britain through our designs. 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.”