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Coins with King Charles III’s face on have officially entered circulation today

4.9 million new 50 pence coins have been sent to UK Post Offices today.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 8th December 2022

The Royal Mint has announced that the first coins to bear the effigy of King Charles III have officially entered circulation today.

In what marks the historic transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III on the public’s money, following the passing of the former back in September after 70 years on the throne, the first coins to bear The King’s portrait – are 50 pence pieces, and they will start to appear in circulation in Post Offices around the UK from today.

The coins not only bear The King’s face, but are also said to commemorate the life and legacy of the late monarch.

The reverse of the 50 pence features a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown, and includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield, and in between each shield is an emblem of the home nations – a rose, a thistle, a shamrock, and a leek.

4.9 million 50 pence coins with King Charles III’s face on have been sent to UK Post Offices today.

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The coin will first begin being distributing as change when customers make a purchase in store, The Royal Mint explains, before a total of 9.6 million 50ps eventually enter circulation in line with the public demand for them.

“Today marks a new era for UK coinage,” commented Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint.

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“It’s a fantastic opportunity for coin collectors to add to their collections, or start one for the first time. We anticipate a new generation of coin collectors emerging, with people keeping a close eye on their change to try and spot a new 50p that bears the portrait of our new King.

“The Royal Mint has been trusted to make coins bearing the Monarch’s effigy for over 1,100 years and we are proud to continue this tradition into the reign of King Charles III.”

Also speaking as the coins enter circulation today, Nick Read – Chief Executive Office of the Post Office – said: “It is a tremendous honour for the Post Office that the first coinage featuring King Charles III is being released into circulation via our extensive branch network.

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“December is our busiest time of the year so the coin will be entering our network in a phased manner.

“If you don’t receive the new 50p in your change on your first visit to a Post Office, you may well get it in your change in a subsequent visit, so keep a look out for it.”

Coins with King Charles III’s face on have officially entered circulation today / Credit: Royal Mint

All approximately 27 billion UK coins with Queen Elizabeth II’s face on will remain legal tender and in active circulation, and will eventually be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for new coins.

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The Royal Mint explains that historically, it has been commonplace for coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to co-circulate.

“This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental impact, and cost,” The Royal Mint said.

Featured Image – Royal Mint

News

Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street

An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.

Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.

Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.

Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.

He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.

Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.

“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.

“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”

If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.

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Featured image: Google Maps

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Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.

UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.

The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.

Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.

To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.

Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.

“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.

“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”

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Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Featured Image – Laughterama (Supplied)

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