The special 50p piece marking the Coronation of King Charles III has now entered circulation.

Five million coins with a special design to commemorate the crowning of The King will come into use over the next few weeks.

The first are now in tills at Post Offices and banks and will be handed out in change in the hours ahead.

The special coin features a design by Natasha Jenkins representing the moment that Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey.

On the other side is the official coin portrait of The King by Martin Jennings.

A commemorative coin marking the Coronation of King Charles III was sold to collectors earlier this year.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint said ”This is a special moment for the nation, as members of the public will have the opportunity to find a piece of history in their change. We anticipate the coronation 50p coins will be highly sought after among coin collectors and members of the public keen to own a piece of British history.”

Coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender. They will continue to circulate until they become too damaged or worn to use. It is estimated there are around 27 billion coins with Her Late Majesty on them still in use in the United Kingdom.