All new coins featuring the effigy, or profile, of King Charles III are set to enter circulation from May 21 — with the final proof coin now minted. The proof base metal set, containing all six Australian standard coins featuring the King’s effigy, will be sent to the King as a gift. Gifting the first issues of new coins became a tradition when Prince Philip was gifted the first full set of decimal coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy after opening the Mint in 1965.
“The change of monarch was a significant undertaking that involved multiple stakeholders including the Royal Mint in Wales, the Australian government and Buckingham Palace,” Gordon said. “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 King’s effigy replaced the late Queen’s on the obverse of coins late last year.