2026 King Charles III Definitive Coin Set

What's the difference between the 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 definitive sets?

The designs remain identical across all four years - all feature the "Flora and Fauna" themes introduced in 2023. The only differences are the year dates stamped on the coins. The 2023 coins featured a special Tudor Crown privy mark to commemorate His Majesty's coronation year, which is not present on 2024, 2025, or 2026 coins. These sets represent the ongoing continuation of these beautiful wildlife designs through the early years of King Charles III's reign.

What are definitive coins?

Definitive coins are the standard circulating coins used in everyday transactions across the United Kingdom. Unlike commemorative coins which mark specific one-off events, definitive designs are typically used for many years. The current "Flora and Fauna" designs were introduced in 2023 and continue to circulate today, making 2026 the fourth year of these designs.

What is the theme of the 2026 coin designs?

The eight reverse designs continue the "Flora and Fauna" theme inspired by British wildlife and the natural world, reflecting King Charles III's lifelong passion for conservation. The designs also feature a unifying pattern of interlocking 'C's, reminiscent of the coinage of Charles II.

Which animals and plants are featured on the coins?

The set includes a variety of species representing the four nations of the United Kingdom:

• £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.

Does the 2026 set have a privy mark?

No. The special Tudor Crown privy mark was unique to the 2023 coins to commemorate His Majesty's coronation year. The 2024, 2025 and 2026 definitive coins feature the standard design without additional privy marks.

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. This same portrait continues to be used on all definitive coins of the reign.

Is the Atlantic Salmon 50p still rare?

The Atlantic Salmon 50p design was introduced in 2023 with a circulation mintage of approximately 200,000, making it one of the rarest 50p coins in British history. The 2024, 2025 and 2026 dated versions' circulation numbers may vary. See our dedicated Atlantic Salmon 50p coin page for more details.

Can I find these coins in my change?

Maybe! Some of the definitive designs are circulating coins that can be found in everyday change.

The circulating mintages for the coins released in 2023 are:

• 1p (Hazel Dormouse): Roughly 600,000 were minted for circulation in 2023. None were minted for circulation in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
• 10p (Capercaillie): Approximately 600,000 entered circulation in 2023. None were minted for circulation in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
• 20p (Puffin): Around 525,000 were struck for circulation in 2023. None were minted for circulation in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
• 50p (Atlantic Salmon): Approximately 200,000 entered circulation in 2023. None were minted for circulation in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
• £1 (British Bees): Approximately 600,000 entered circulation in 2023. None were minted for circulation in 2024, 2025 or 2026.

There are two denominations from the definitive set that only exist with the privy mark because they were not released for general circulation that year:

• 2p (Red Squirrel): None were minted for circulation in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
• £2 (Flowers of the Four Nations): No definitive £2 coins entered circulation with a 2023 date, nor in 2024, 2025 or 2026.

Official Data Source: Royal Mint Circulating Coin Mintages.

How do Brilliant Uncirculated coins differ from circulation coins?

Brilliant Uncirculated coins are struck to a higher quality than standard circulation coins. They feature superior detail, lustre, and finish, and are packaged to protect them from handling and wear. While they are legal tender with the same specifications as circulation coins, they are intended for collectors rather than spending.

Why collect year-dated definitive sets?

Year-dated sets serve as time capsules, marking specific years in history. Many collectors purchase sets for birth years, wedding years, or other milestone occasions. Having the same designs across multiple years (2023-2026) makes it easier to collect complete year sets without needing to learn entirely new designs each year.