Perth Mint strikes first coin with King Charles III effigy
The Perth Mint has unveiled its first coin featuring the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III.
A special addition to our signature Australian Kangaroo series, the 1oz silver proof piece has a mintage of 7,500 and looks certain to be keenly sought after by collectors and fans of the British Royal Family.
Previously known as the Prince of Wales, Charles became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on 8 September 2022. As well as the United Kingdom, he was proclaimed King of 14 Commonwealth realms, including Australia. The coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023, where His Majesty was accompanied by his wife Camilla, who was crowned Queen.
The official Commonwealth Effigy of His Majesty King Charles III was created by Welsh illustrator and coin designer Dan Thorne. Approved by the King as a true reflection of His Majesty’s character, the likeness rests upon the talented artist’s careful examination of past coins and medals, coupled with extensive study of the new monarch and his accomplishments.
“Dan Thorne has made an important contribution to our coinage with his superb image of King Charles III [...] Charles is the sixth monarch to appear on the hundreds of millions of coins we have struck over the past 125 years. His superbly observed portrait proclaims the dawn of a new era for Australian numismatics," says our General Manager Minted Products Neil Vance.
The coin’s reverse features classic reverse artistry portraying a bounding kangaroo surrounded by stylised rays of sunlight. Collectors will also notice a ‘P125’ mintmark, an exclusive inclusion on 2024-dated releases signifying The Perth Mint’s 125th anniversary.
Recent filming captured the very first coin in the mintage being struck at The Perth Mint. This coin, accompanied by its number one certificate of authenticity, will be on display from 15 January 2024 for all visitors to admire.
On 15 January we will be issuing extremely low certificate numbers which is seen as highly desirable to collectors. Because the in-store allocation is expected to sell out quickly, collectors interested in purchasing the coin are advised to plan an early visit to The Perth Mint shop located within our historic premises at 310 Hay Street in East Perth.
Those unable to purchase the coin in-person and take it home on the day are advised to check our website, call the customer help desk, or contact an authorised coin distributor as soon as possible.
