London, September 30 (BNA): The Royal Mint has unveiled the first British King Charles coins, with the new king’s portrait facing the opposite direction of his late mother Queen Elizabeth in line with tradition.
The new image will appear on the 50 pence ($0.55) coins, which will go into circulation in the coming months, and also on the 5 pound commemorative coin which also features two new portraits of Elizabeth on its reverse side.
Since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 after Oliver Cromwell’s 10-year Republic, it has become a norm for the king to face the opposite direction of his predecessor on coins, according to Reuters.
Charles personally approved the official portrait of him facing left by British sculptor Martin Jennings. The picture is surrounded by a Latin inscription that translates “King Charles III, thanks to God, defender of the faith.”
“The portrait was carved from a portrait of the king and was inspired by the symbolic statues that have adorned Britain’s coins over the centuries,” Jennings said.
Queen Elizabeth died on September 8 at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne. About 27 billion coins bearing her image are in circulation and will remain legal tender as they are phased out over time.
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