LONDON, August 25, 2026, 13:58 BST
- Britain is issuing 7.1 million 10p coins featuring King Charles III today.
- The batch of 600,000 coins minted with a 2023 date is the more limited collector edition.
- That mintage remains three times higher than the rarest 50p coin in circulation in the UK.
- In 2025, cash accounted for just 8% of all payments in the UK.
The first King Charles III 10p coins entered circulation in Britain on Tuesday. The launch has sparked a scarcity trade, though it does not guarantee instant windfalls.
The Royal Mint is releasing 7.1 million coins into circulation. Of these, 600,000 are stamped with the previous 2023 date, while the remaining 6.5 million show the year 2026.
The split is more significant than the portrait. The 2023 batch accounts for 8.45% of the current issue and has a face value of £60,000.
| Circulating issue | Mintage | Relative to 2023 Charles 10p |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p | 200,000 | 0.33x |
| 2009 Kew Gardens 50p | 210,000 | 0.35x |
| 2023 King Charles III 10p | 600,000 | 1.00x |
| 2026 King Charles III 10p | 6,500,000 | 10.83x |
The comparison moderates assertions of early scarcity. The 2023 Charles 10p was minted in a quantity three times greater than the Atlantic Salmon 50p. Its mintage is also 2.86 times that of the Kew Gardens 50p.
The Royal Mint reports mintages of 200,000 and 210,000 for those 50p coins. It notes that low production runs can drive up premiums, but advises buyers to review availability before making a purchase.
The reverse of the new coin features a capercaillie, a rare Scottish bird, as part of a wildlife series marking the new reign. The royal portrait, shown without a crown, was crafted by Martin Jennings.
“This marks a significant milestone for the country’s coinage,” said Royal Mint director Rebecca Morgan. She anticipates the launch will help spotlight concerns about the bird’s risk of extinction. Royal Mint/PA quote
The batch also reflects a signal for rising cash use. According to the Mint, higher demand for 10p coins led to their production. However, cash transactions in the UK dropped by 9.3% to 3.9 billion in 2025.
Cash accounted for 8% of transactions, a decrease from 9% in 2024. UK Finance forecasts this proportion will decline to 4% by 2035. Approximately 1.4 million adults continue to rely primarily on cash.
The issuance increases Britain’s total 24.142 billion coin stock by just 0.029%. Charles coins now account for around 1% of the circulating coins. As a result, the new issue is intended to meet needs for replacement and specific denominations, rather than indicating a broad revival in cash usage.
Collectors are advised to monitor finalized sales rather than listed asking prices. Sustainable premiums will depend on condition, provenance, and the presence of the 2023 date.
Risks: Stockpiling may lead to short-term local shortages. Rapid broad distribution can swiftly remove premiums, and counterfeit items or deceptive listings may obscure true market prices.
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