United Kingdom (Great Britain) Charles III 5 Pounds

History

5 Pounds 2025, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Coat of Arms of King Charles III

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

Description

Over two years after his accession, King Charles III’s Royal Coat of Arms appears on a UK coin for the first time. Reimagining a symbol of monarchy and national authority, this marks a new chapter in a tradition that has adorned coins and state emblems for over a thousand years.

A piedfort is an unusually thick coin, often exactly twice the normal weight and thickness of other coins of the same diameter and pattern. Piedforts are not normally circulated, and are only struck for presentation purposes by mint officials (such as patterns), or for collectors, dignitaries, and other VIPs.

Obverse	British royal family Birth or death Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Charles III Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck. CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith. Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ) CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•5 POUNDS•2025 • MJ
Reverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Coat of arms United Kingdom Legendary creature (dragon, unicorn etc.) Unicorn Depicts the Royal Coat of Arms of King Charles III. The design showcases the traditional quartered shield: • Three lions for England (1st and 4th quarters), • Lion rampant for Scotland (2nd quarter), • Harp for Ireland (3rd quarter). The shield is supported by the crowned English lion (left) and the chained Scottish unicorn (right), both elaborately rendered. Above the shield sits a crown topped with a lion, and flowing around it are ornate floral elements. Beneath the arms is the royal motto "DIEU ET MON DROIT" ("God and my right"), flanked by national floral emblems — the rose, thistle, leek, and shamrock — representing the four nations of the UK. The Order of the Garter’s motto, "HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE", encircles the shield. The year 2025 is inscribed at the bottom. Engraver: Timothy Noad HONI SO T M Y PENSE DIEU ET MON DROIT TN 2025
Edge	Reeded (milled)