The first £1 coins with the likeness of Charles III enter circulation this week, the BBC reports.
Almost three million coins have been placed in post offices and banks across the country.
The coins commemorate Charles' ascension to the throne and his love of the natural world, with the reverse depicting a pair of bees.
Although the King's likeness is becoming a familiar sight on coins, those with the likeness of Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation. New sets of coins are being minted in response to demand.
"I am proud to reveal that the £1 coin of King Charles III is now in circulation. We know there will be excitement among collectors and the public to get their hands on this special piece of history," said Rebecca Morgan, Director at the Royal Mint.
The bees are one of eight new designs that will appear on national coins from 1p to £2. The new designs were unveiled back in October.
The reverse of the coin features the country's flora and fauna. Animals from red squirrel to grouse are also depicted as part of an effort to show the importance and precariousness of the natural world.
Morgan hopes the designs will spark "important conversations about preserving these important species."
Each coin was created with the support of the Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
The size and shape of the coins remain unchanged, which is key because of the still widespread use of coins for vending machines, self-service in supermarkets and parking meters.
The Royal Mint has made coins with the likeness of every British monarch since Alfred the Great.
Although there are commemorative coins in circulation with the likeness of Charles III, the new designs mark the move to coins that will be used on a daily basis.
The previous set of coins featured a shield formation and was introduced under Queen Elizabeth II in 2008 and will dominate the 29 billion coins in circulation in the UK for some time to come. | BGNES
