Posts Tagged ‘Royal Arms’
The Royal Arms reimagined – King Charles III’s Coat of Arms features on a UK coin for the first time
Over 2 years after he acceded to the throne, His Majesty King Charles III’s Royal Coat of Arms, a powerful symbol of sovereignty and national identity, has made its debut on a UK coin.
The Royal Arms reimagined
For over a millennium, the Royal Arms have represented the authority of the monarchy, appearing on everything from official government documents to British passports. While previous monarchs’ arms have graced our coinage before, this is the first time that King Charles III’s Royal Coat of Arms has featured on a UK coin.
Image Credit: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The 2025 Coat of Arms of King Charles III £5 marks a new chapter in British history, featuring a stunning heraldic design by Timothy Noad. Noad’s interpretation of the Royal Arms balances tradition with modernity, showcasing the shield supported by the lion and unicorn, along with regal symbolism that reflects His Majesty’s commitment to heritage, duty, and service.
A history of Royal Arms on UK coinage
Although this is the first time King Charles III’s Coat of Arms has featured on a UK coin, it joins a prestigious lineage of coins bearing the Royal Arms.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the Royal Coat of Arms appeared on the first £1 coin, which was first issued in 1983 to replace the less robust £1 note. The Royal Arms round pound was issued in 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2008 and featured a stylised Queen Elizabeth II Coat of Arms designed by Eric Sewell, chief engraver at the Royal Mint.
In 2015, the Royal Mint revealed a new design for the Royal Arms £1 coin, featuring Timothy Noad’s contemporary adaptation of the traditional Royal Arms design. It was one of the last commemorative designs to feature on the round pound coin, however the 2015 Royal Coat of Arms £1 didn’t enter circulation
Secure the 2025 Coat of Arms of King Charles III £5
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates the fusion of artistry and history, this coin represents an extraordinary moment in UK numismatic heritage.
Secure the 2025 Coat of Arms of King Charles III £5 for your collection >>
The best £1 design ever?
It’s not often that such eager anticipation surrounds the issue of a new £1 coin, but the new Royal Arms £1 has captured the imagination of Change Checkers ever since it was revealed at the end of last year.
It is the fourth Royal Arms design since the £1 coin made its debut appearance in 1983 but in a recent Facebook vote, our fans have already hailed it as their favourite, months before its scheduled release date. And it is easy to understand why.
Timothy Noad’s new Royal Arms design is due to enter circulation later this year
Timothy Noad’s contemporary interpretation of the classic British emblem is both bold and original. His design covers a substantial portion of the coin’s reverse, bringing the smaller and normally indistinguishable details to life.
The traditional quartered shield is of course the same, but the crowned lion and unicorn flanking it are far more striking. Noad has also included a subtle twist on the usual design, with a rose, thistle, shamrock and leek at the bottom to represent the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom.
But the coin’s appeal does not stop at its design. It is the very first £1 coin to feature the new portrait of Her Majesty by Jody Clark. It could also be one of the final designs to feature on the pound coin as we know it. The new 12-sided shape will be introduced in 2017 and the window for new designs is getting ever smaller.
Can’t wait?
If you can’t wait to find the new Royal Arms £1 in your change, you can own not one but FIVE straight from the Mint – keep one and swap the rest! The Royal Arms £1 Swapper’s Pack is available now for just £10…