Royal Mint Issues 23.2 Million King Charles 5p

The Royal Mint is putting 23.2 million King Charles III 5p coins into circulation across the UK. The coins were minted and dated October 2023 and are being released now in response to increased demand for the denomination. They are the first 5p coins to carry the King’s official portrait, the first redesign of the denomination in 17 years, and bear an oak leaf reverse chosen for its royal associations and to reflect the King’s interest in nature and conservation. Coins will be distributed via Post Office branches and banks nationwide, with special allocations to some post offices (including those with "oak" in their name or near notable oak trees). King Charles designs already exist on other denominations such as the 50p and £1, and these new 5p pieces still represent only a tiny share of UK coinage (about 0.2% of roughly 24.6 billion coins in circulation).