The Royal Mint began circulating about 7.1 million King Charles III 10p coins from 25 August 2026: 600,000 dated 2023 and 6.5 million dated 2026. It is the first 10p to carry the King's portrait, and Charles coins are still just 1% of the 24.142 billion coins in UK circulation.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED The Royal Mint began circulating about 7.1 million King Charles III 10p coins from 25 August 2026: 600,000 dated 2023 and 6.5 million dated 2026. It is the first 10p to carry the King's portrait, and Charles coins are still just 1% of the 24.142 billion coins in UK circulation.
- About 7.1 million new 10p coins entered circulation from 25 August 2026 (600,000 dated 2023; 6.5 million dated 2026).
- First 10p to bear King Charles III's portrait; the fourth denomination after the 5p, 50p and £1.
- Reverse shows the capercaillie, an endangered UK bird, from the King's Definitive collection.
- Charles coins are around 1% of the 24.142 billion coins circulating in the UK.
- Queen Elizabeth II coins remain legal tender; available via post offices and bank branches.
KEY FACTS
- About 7.1 million new 10p coins entered circulation from 25 August 2026 (600,000 dated 2023; 6.5 million dated 2026).
- First 10p to bear King Charles III's portrait; the fourth denomination after the 5p, 50p and £1.
- Reverse shows the capercaillie, an endangered UK bird, from the King's Definitive collection.
- Charles coins are around 1% of the 24.142 billion coins circulating in the UK.
- Queen Elizabeth II coins remain legal tender; available via post offices and bank branches.
What has changed
About 7.1 million new King Charles III 10p coins entered UK circulation from 25 August 2026. The release comprises 600,000 coins dated 2023 and 6.5 million dated 2026. It is the first 10p to carry the King's portrait, and the fourth denomination to do so after the 5p, 50p and £1.
The Royal Mint began distributing the coins through the UK cash system on 25 August 2026. The new 10p is the latest addition to the King's Definitive coin collection, which features British flora and fauna. The reverse design shows a capercaillie, an endangered Scottish woodland bird.
How to identify the new coin
The new 10p can be identified by the portrait of King Charles III on the obverse, which faces left. This follows the tradition of each monarch facing the opposite direction to their predecessor. The reverse retains the familiar 10p design of the capercaillie, which has appeared on the denomination since 1992.
Coins dated 2023 and 2026 are both in circulation. The Royal Mint has confirmed that the 2023-dated coins were struck in advance and held before release. The design details are otherwise identical across both dates.
Is your old 10p still legal tender
Queen Elizabeth II 10p coins remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside the new King Charles coins. There is no withdrawal date for older 10p coins, and they retain their face value in everyday transactions.
The Royal Mint has stated that coins bearing the King's portrait currently make up around 1% of the 24.142 billion coins in circulation across the UK. The vast majority of coins in use still carry the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Why the Mint released them now
The release follows the phased introduction of King Charles III coins, which began with the 50p in December 2022. The 10p is the fourth denomination to feature the King's portrait, after the 5p, 50p and £1. The Royal Mint produces coins to meet demand from banks and post offices, and the 10p was scheduled as part of the ongoing transition.
The capercaillie design was chosen as part of the King's Definitive collection, which highlights British flora and fauna across all circulating denominations. The bird is one of the UK's most endangered species, with a population concentrated in Scottish pine forests.
What collectors should know
For collectors, the 2023-dated coins are the first 10p to bear the King's portrait and may attract interest due to their earlier date. However, circulating coins are produced in large numbers and are not considered rare in the way limited commemorative issues are.
The Royal Mint advises that coins found in everyday change are worth their face value. Collectors seeking uncirculated examples can obtain them through the Royal Mint's official channels, though the coins are primarily intended for general circulation.
Are the new King Charles 10p coins worth more than face value?
In everyday use a 10p is worth 10p. Circulating coins are not rare in the way limited commemoratives are, though early-dated examples may interest collectors.
Is my old Queen Elizabeth II 10p still valid?
Yes. Queen Elizabeth II coins remain legal tender and stay in circulation alongside the new coins.
Where can I get a new King Charles 10p?
They are entering general circulation through change, and are also available at post offices and bank branches.
What is on the reverse of the new 10p?
The capercaillie, an endangered Scottish woodland bird, part of the King's Definitive collection highlighting British flora and fauna.
How many King Charles coins are in circulation?
Coins bearing the King's portrait are about 1% of the 24.142 billion coins circulating across the UK.
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Are the new King Charles 10p coins worth more than face value?
In everyday use a 10p is worth 10p. Circulating coins are not rare in the way limited commemoratives are, though early-dated examples may interest collectors.
Is my old Queen Elizabeth II 10p still valid?
Yes. Queen Elizabeth II coins remain legal tender and stay in circulation alongside the new coins.
Where can I get a new King Charles 10p?
They are entering general circulation through change, and are also available at post offices and bank branches.
What is on the reverse of the new 10p?
The capercaillie, an endangered Scottish woodland bird, part of the King's Definitive collection highlighting British flora and fauna.
How many King Charles coins are in circulation?
Coins bearing the King's portrait are about 1% of the 24.142 billion coins circulating across the UK.
Sources
