The King will appear on 10 million one-dollar coins in Australia, with his effigy to be put in circulation before Christmas, the country’s government announced.

Charles’s effigy was designed by the Royal Mint in London, with the two dollar and the five, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins set to be released progressively next year.

Andrew Leigh, the assistant minister for the treasury in Australia, said: “For the first time since 1953, the King’s effigy will appear on an Australian coin.

“Since 1953, every Australian coin has borne a Queen. That’s been true since decimal currency came into effect in 1966. So this really is a historic occasion.

“For most Australians, this will be the first time they have held in their hands a coin with a King.

“As is traditional, the new effigy will switch direction. Queen Elizabeth II faced to the right. King Charles III will face to the left.”

Mr Leigh added: “We were always going to continue to have the Sovereign on the coin.”