(Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)
Millions of 10p coins featuring the portrait of King Charles III are now entering circulation.
The Royal Mint confirmed that more than seven million of the coins are being released across the UK, with 600,000 dated 2023 and the remaining 6.5 million marked 2026.
Rebecca Morgan, director at the Royal Mint, said: "This is a landmark moment for the nation’s coinage, as people begin finding the very first 10p coins bearing the King’s portrait in their change."
The coins are being issued in response to increased demand for the 10p denomination.
They are the fourth denomination to feature King Charles III, following the introduction of 5p, 50p, and £1 coins since 2022.
Coins depicting Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation and legal tender, to ensure a gradual transition with minimal environmental impact and cost.
Currently, coins bearing the King’s portrait account for just 1% of the 24.142 billion coins in circulation.
The new 10p coins feature a capercaillie bird on the reverse side.
The design is part of a collection inspired by the flora and fauna of the British Isles, reflecting the King’s interest in conservation.
Ms Morgan said: "We hope that by putting this extraordinary bird into millions of pockets and purses, we can spark a nationwide conversation about a species at real risk of vanishing from Britain forever."
The coins will be available through post offices and banks, as well as at tills at the Royal Mint Experience in South Wales.
How many people in the UK use cash regularly?
Despite the continued decline in cash use, a recent report by UK Finance found that around 1.4 million UK adults rely on cash for daily spending.
The same report showed that cash use fell to 3.9 billion payments in 2025, down from 4.3 billion the previous year.
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In 2025, cash represented just 8% of all payments in the UK, a sharp decline from 45% in 2015.
By 2035, UK Finance predicts that cash will account for only 4% of payments, or around two billion transactions.
The Royal Mint said the new 10p coins are likely to become highly sought after by collectors due to their limited numbers.
Have you spotted the King's portrait on many coins in your day-to-day life? Let us know in the comments.