The Royal Mint’s 2023 definitive set introduced eight reverse designs for the UK’s circulating denominations, from 1p to £2. The designs feature wildlife and the floral emblems of the four nations.
On 25 August 2026, the first 10p coins bearing King Charles III’s portrait entered circulation. Their reverse shows a capercaillie.
The 2023 definitive set
The set was the first new UK definitive coin series in 15 years. Each coin has King Charles III’s coinage portrait by Martin Jennings on the obverse. The reverse designs share three interlocking Cs, a motif inspired by Charles II’s cypher. The Royal Mint developed them with support from the Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Circulation
The Royal Mint releases new definitive coins as banks and post offices request them. Its 2023 Definitive Sets FAQs explain how the designs enter circulation.
In its 2026 announcement, the Royal Mint said coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait remain legal tender and in active circulation.
The eight reverse designs
Designs by denomination
- 1p features the hazel dormouse.
- 2p features the red squirrel.
- 5p features an oak leaf.
- 10p features the capercaillie.
- 20p features a puffin.
- 50p features the Atlantic salmon.
- £1 features bees.
- £2 features the floral emblems of the four nations. Its edge inscription, IN SERVITIO OMNIUM, means “In the service of all.”
Sources
- Royal Mint: 2023 definitive coin designs
- Royal Mint: designs by denomination
- Royal Mint: 2023 Definitive Sets FAQs
- Royal Mint: first King Charles III 10p enters circulation
For help checking a coin’s date, design and edge, see our guide to reading a UK coin.