QUEEN Elizabeth II’s death shocked the world but also raised questions about what happens to notes and coins with her face on.
The first ever coin featuring King Charles III started appearing in people’s change from today (December 8).
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The 50p has entered circulation and will be available from Post Offices around the UK.
The Bank of England has said notes featuring his face are expected to enter circulation by mid-2024.
And although people use cash a lot less nowadays, you might be wondering whether you can still use notes and coins featuring the former monarch’s face.
Below, we explain everything you need to know.
Can I still use coins and notes with Queen Elizabeth’s face on?
The simple answer is yes.
The current circulating designs with the Queen’s face on will be discontinued as the effigy of King Charles replaces them.
But it won’t happen straight away and any coins or notes you have with the Queen’s face on now will still be legal tender for a while.
They’ll be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn.
When the Queen first came to power, coins with her father’s image on stayed in circulation for nearly 20 years following his death.
So the likelihood is you’ve got plenty of time until you have to think about using up notes or coins with the former monarch’s face on.
Plus, it is common practice that coins featuring effigies of different monarchs co-circulate.
There are around 27 billion coins currently circulating in the UK with the Queen’s face on.
How can I get one of the new 50p coins with King Charles on?
Almost five million 50p coins have started entering circulation across nearly 10,000 Post Office branches from today (December 8) and throughout December.
The coins will be handed out as change when customers buy something.
In total, 9.6 million 50p coins will eventually enter circulation.
The Royal Mint, which produces the coins, has not yet said which branches the coins will be distributed from.
If you want to get one, it might be worth calling your local branch to see if they’re one of the nearly 10,000.
If you don’t know where your nearest Post Office is, you can use the branch finder tool on its website.