New 5p coin featuring the King enters circulation

The Royal Mint says the image of an oak leaf on the tail side of the coin highlights the King's "passion for conservation"

The first 5p coins bearing the image of King Charles III have entered circulation, following a rise in demand.

More than 23.2 million coins have been issued to Post Office branches and banks across the UK.

It is the first time the 5p coin has carried the King's portrait, and the first redesign of the coin in 17 years.

The Royal Mint said the new coin reflects the start of a new reign, while the oak leaf featured on the reverse side highlights the King's "passion for conservation".

Rebecca Morgan, director at The Royal Mint, said she was "delighted" to see the coins entering circulation following public demand.

She said the oak-leaf design on the reverse, or tail side, of the coin "beautifully represents the deep connection between our monarchy and the natural world".

"These coins offer the public a wonderful opportunity to discover a piece of living history in their everyday change, and for many, finding one of these special coins could be the beginning of a fascinating journey into the world of coin collecting," she added.

It is the first time the 5p has carried the King's portrait, and the first redesign of the coin in 17 years

According to The Royal Mint, based in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, collectors are eager to find coins bearing King Charles III's portrait, which currently make up just 0.2% of all coins in circulation.

The new coin designs were first unveiled in October 2023, with the tail side of every coin - from the 1p to the £2 - featuring the flora and fauna of the British Isles.

The oak tree leaf was chosen for its role as a rich habitat for biodiversity in woodland areas and it long-term association with monarchy of the past.

The coins follow centuries of tradition with the monarch now facing left - the opposite way to his predecessor. Profiles are alternated between left and right for successive monarchs. As with previous British kings, and unlike the Queen, the King wears no crown.

The 5p coins are being released nationwide, with special allocations to Post Office branches with "oak" in their name, including Newtown Post Office (Brimmon Oak) in Powys, Wales.

This is the third denomination to bear the King's portrait, following the release of 50p and £1 coins.

The size and shape of the coins remain unchanged.

The Royal Mint has encouraged people to check their change for the new coins, but stressed all Queen Elizabeth II coins remain legal tender.