King Charles 10p coin hits UK change as 6.5 million released

Rebecca Morgan, director at The Royal Mint, said the coin's release is a "stark reminder that more of these coins will enter circulation than there are capercaillies left in the wild." She said the Mint hopes the coin can "spark a nationwide conversation about a species at real risk of vanishing from Britain forever."

The 10p is the latest in a series of redesigned UK coins that celebrate the King's interest in the natural world. The tails side of every newly minted coin from 1p to £2 now features British flora and fauna, including bees and oak tree leaves. The designs were unveiled in October 2023.

Old coins with the late Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender and continue to circulate. The Mint only strikes new coins when there is demand, which explains the gap since the last 10p release.

Bank of England banknotes will soon follow the coins in featuring wildlife. A public vote narrowed a shortlist of 18 animals, birds and insects. Security considerations and the vote results are now being reviewed. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey is expected to make the final decision in the autumn.