The last batch of rare coins depicting Queen Elizabeth are entering circulation in the UK today, the Royal Mint has announced.

More than 23 million Queen coins are being released, with The Royal Mint saying the last of the Elizabeth II coins, dated 2022, are the rarest £1 coins in active circulation. The final release will coincide with 7.5million new King Charles £1 coins also entering circulation around the nation.

The Queen’s £1 coins will be the final ones bearing Elizabeth II’s portrait to be released, as the Royal Mint begins the final stages of ushering in coins that feature the new monarch, King Charles. It comes after fears for the future of Buckingham Palace as William and Kate "make huge decision".

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The Royal Mint said that the historic transition – with the dual release of almost 31million coins – represents a significant moment for UK coinage, as the nation witnesses the changeover from Britain’s longest-reigning monarch to her son and heir on the £1 denomination.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: "This release represents a pivotal moment in British coinage history.

"As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we’re witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy’s transition. This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting."

The Royal Mint is urging Britons to check their change over the coming weeks as the new coins will begin to appear in pockets and tills across the UK.

Ms Morgan added: "Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency."

Since King Charles’ coronation in 2023 and the subsequent introduction of his effigy on UK coinage, the 50p and £1 are the only denominations with Charles’s portrait to have entered circulation so far.

Nearly three million £1s with the King’s effigy were released in August last year, with the coin featuring an intricate bee design on the reverse and are part of the Definitive collection, inspired by the flora and fauna of the British Isles.

In total, there are around 24.7billion coins in circulation across the UK, with the King’s coins representing only around 0.004 per cent of those, making his new coins highly desirable to collectors.

All UK coins bearing the Queen’s portrait will remain legal tender and in active circulation to allow a smooth transition and minimise the environmental impact and cost. The Royal Mint has made the circulating coinage for England of each of Britain's monarchs since Alfred the Great.