The Royal Mint has unveiled the new King Charles III coins as work on Rutland's statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II continues.

The new 1p to £2 coin designs reflect King Charles III's "passion for conservation and the natural world" The Royal Mint says releasing later this year.

This marks the final chapter of His Majesty King Charles III's transition onto British coinage.

The eight new coin designs will replace the current shield formation introduced under Queen Elizabeth II in 2008.

Each coin features a repeating pattern of three interlocking C's. This takes inspiration from the cypher of Charles II.

The edge inscription of the new £2 coin was chosen by His Majesty and reads 'IN SERVITIO OMNIUM', Latin for 'In the service of all'.

It was taken from The King's inaugural speech on 9 September 2022.

Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint said, "This is a rare and historic moment as the complete set of UK coins change to celebrate a new monarch on the throne.

"The striking designs have been seen by His Majesty and reflect his commitment to conservation and the natural world, as well as celebrating British craftsmanship.

"The Royal Mint has struck Britain's coins for 1,100 years and this collection will proudly take its place amongst the designs of monarchs ranging from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II.

"A unique pattern of interlocking C's adorns each of the new designs. This unifying feature gives a nod to history through the cypher of Charles II while celebrating King Charles III's commitment to conservation."

Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint said: "It is a privilege to work on the official coins of the nation and to ensure we reflect The King and Britain through our designs.

"Flora and fauna have deep roots in the history of UK coinage, but this is the first time that all eight coins have celebrated nature and wildlife.

"It takes a great deal of skill to create art on a canvas as small as a 1p or £1 coin. The Royal Mint has honed our expertise over 1,100 years and we can't wait to see the new coins in the hands of the nation."

The flora and fauna across the new coins look to the future and the importance of the natural world:

• 1p: A hazel dormouse, which has seen its population halve since 2007
• 2p: A red squirrel, which is expected to blend into the colour of the copper coin
• 5p: An oak tree leaf, signifying its role as a rich habitat for biodiversity in woodland areas and an association with monarchy of the past
• 10p: The capercaillie - the world's largest grouse - found in a small part of Scotland and threatened with extinction
• 20p: A puffin
• 50p: The Atlantic salmon, which is at threat from river pollution and habitat loss
• £1: Bees
• £2: National flowers - a rose for England, a daffodil for Wales, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Northern Ireland

This comes as work on Rutland's statue of the late Queen continues, undertaken by sculptor Hywel Pratley.

The statue is being organised by Rutland's Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Sarah Furness.

Despite controversy among locals, and a few minor hiccups at the planning stage, the statue is due to be completed soon, with an official launch date yet to be announced.

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