2023 King Charles III Definitive Coin Set
For the first time in 70 years, UK coinage changed its definitive designs. The 2023 set features eight brand new "Flora and Fauna" designs emphasizing conservation. This collection celebrates iconic cultural figures and historical milestones through five unique commemorative designs.
A historic milestone in British currency, honoring a new era under His Majesty King Charles III.
See also 2023 King Charles III Commemorative Coin Set
The "Flora and Fauna" Series
Definitive coins are the most common coins in circulation and are used for everyday transactions. The 2023 set includes all 8 definitive coins, each featuring a unique design.
The 2023 Brilliant Uncirculated Definitive Set marks the first complete redesign of UK circulating coins in 15 years. Personally approved by The King, the reverses celebrate the natural world and conservation. Notably, each coin features a unique Tudor Crown Privy Mark and a triple interlocking 'C' motif, linking the current reign to that of King Charles II.
Coin Specifications & Designs
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2-pound - Flora of the four nations (Rose, Daffodil, Thistle, Shamrock)
Reverse
Obverse
2023 £2 Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Inner: Nickel-plated nickel brass / Outer - Nickel Brass |
| Weight | 12.00 g |
| Diameter | 28.40 mm |
| Edge | Fine milled incuse edge lettering |
| Edge Inscription | • IN SERVITIO OMNIUM |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
1-pound - British Bees
Reverse
Obverse
2023 £1 Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Inner: Nickel-plated nickel brass / Outer - Nickel Brass |
| Weight | 8.75 g |
| Diameter | 23.03 mm |
| Edge | Alt Plain / Milled |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
50p - Atlantic Salmon
Reverse
Obverse
2023 50p Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Cupro-Nickel |
| Weight | 8.00 g |
| Diameter | 27.30 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
20p - Puffin
Reverse
Obverse
2023 20p Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Cupro-Nickel |
| Weight | 5.00 g |
| Diameter | 21.40 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
10p - Capercaillie
Reverse
Obverse
2023 10p Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Weight | 6.50 g |
| Diameter | 24.50 mm |
| Edge | Milled |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
5p - Oak Leaf
Reverse
Obverse
2023 5p Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Weight | 3.25 g |
| Diameter | 18.00 mm |
| Edge | Milled |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
2p - Red Squirrel
Reverse
Obverse
2023 2p Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Copper-Plated Steel |
| Weight | 7.13 g |
| Diameter | 25.91 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
1p - Hazel Dormouse
Reverse
Obverse
2023 1p Brilliant Uncirculated
| Alloy | Copper-Plated Steel |
| Weight | 3.56 g |
| Diameter | 20.32 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Obverse | Martin Jennings |
2023 UK Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Set
The 2023 definitive coin set was released as Brilliant Uncirculated coin pack with an issue price of £34.00 + P&P.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2023 Definitive Coin Sets
What are definitive coins?
Definitive coins are the standard circulating coins used in everyday transactions. Unlike commemorative coins, which mark specific one-off events, definitive designs are typically used for many years. The 2023 set represents the first definitive coins of His Majesty King Charles III's reign.
What is the theme of the new 2023 coin designs?
The eight new reverse designs are inspired by British wildlife and the natural world, reflecting King Charles III's passion for conservation. They also feature a unifying pattern of interlocking 'C's, reminiscent of the coinage of Charles II.
What changed in the designs of the 2023 definitive coin set?
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The first definitive coins of His Majesty King Charles III's reign replaced the last of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
These coin sets mark the historic succession from one monarch to another and a momentous period of change for the United Kingdom. Together, the 2023 coins feature eight new reverse designs inspired by the four countries of the United Kingdom and His Majesty The King’s passion for nature The 2023 coins also bear the official coinage portrait of King Charles III plus an exclusive privy mark. The 2022 definitive coins are the last to bear a definitive coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch
Which animals and plants are featured on the coins?
The set includes a variety of species representing the four nations:
- £2: Flora of the four nations (Rose, Daffodil, Thistle, Shamrock).
- £1: British Bees.
- 50p: Atlantic Salmon.
- 20p: Puffin.
- 10p: Capercaillie.
- 5p: Oak Leaf.
- 2p: Red Squirrel.
- 1p: Hazel Dormouse.
What is a privy mark, and does the 2023 set have one?
A privy mark is a small symbol added to a coin design to honor a special occasion. The 2023 definitive coins feature a unique Tudor Crown privy mark on the obverse to mark the year of His Majesty's coronation.
Who designed the portrait of King Charles III?
The official coinage portrait of His Majesty, which appears on the obverse (heads) side of each coin, was created by the renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings.
Is the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p rare?
Yes. While included in these sets, the circulation mintage for the 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p is approximately 200,000, making it one of the rarest 50p coins in British history.
About UK Coins
UK Coins is a comprehensive British numismatic reference dedicated to providing accurate, detailed information about United Kingdom coinage. We specialize in documenting annual coin sets, commemorative issues, and definitive coins with precise specifications sourced directly from The Royal Mint.
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