The 5p coin will now feature King Charles’s image for the first time since his accession.
The Royal Mint has begun distributing 23.2 million new five pence pieces bearing the monarch’s official portrait.
The historic release represents the inaugural appearance of the King's effigy on the 5p coin.
Post offices and banking institutions throughout the country will handle the distribution of these coins, which were produced in October 2023 to meet growing demand for the five pence denomination.
The 5p coin will now feature King Charles’s image for the first time since his accession.
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The reverse features an oak tree leaf motif, representing the tree's significance as a vital ecosystem supporting woodland biodiversity.
The design choice also reflects the monarch's longstanding commitment to environmental preservation.
These represent the first modifications to the five pence piece in seventeen years, with the previous update occurring in 2008.
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.
The Royal Mint has begun distributing 23.2 million new five pence pieces bearing the monarch’s official portrait.
|PA
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, expressed enthusiasm about the public finally receiving the King’s first five pence pieces.
Ms Morgan said: "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.
"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."
The Royal Mint has designated special allocations for Post Office locations containing "oak" in their titles or situated near notable trees, spanning all four UK nations from The Oaks in Dungannon to Larkhall near Cadzows Oaks in South Lanarkshire.
These represent the first modifications to the five pence piece in seventeen years, with the previous update occurring in 2008.
|PA
Russell Hancock, supply chain director at the Post Office, remarked: "We are incredibly proud to support the entry and circulation of this first 5p coin to bear His Majesty King Charles III's official portrait."
This release follows the fifty pence and one pound denominations already featuring the King's portrait.
Previous coins displaying Queen Elizabeth II's image continue as valid currency.
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