The new effigy of His Majesty King Charles III

The Royal Australian Mint has unveiled the new effigy of King Charles III that will appear on $1 coins before Christmas. The new effigy of His Majesty King Charles III is the official Commonwealth Effigy designed by The Royal Mint in London with Royal Approval.

The first coin bearing the King’s effigy on the obverse will be the iconic $1 Mob of Kangaroos coin, which was first introduced into Australia in May 1984. The Mint will transition the new effigy to its suite of circulating coins over the coming months. The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse will continue to be used on select uncirculated coins (collectibles and investments) until May 2024.

The much-anticipated change to Australia’s legal tender was brought about by the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, when His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales acceded the Throne and became His Majesty King Charles III.

In keeping with long-standing tradition, The King’s profile will face left. This is the opposite direction to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

As for coins with The Queen’s effigy? All coins currently in circulation remain legal tender, regardless of the fact the monarch has changed. As coins have a life span of more than 20 years, Australians can expect to see “Queen” coins in circulation for many more years.