UK's Royal Mint releases King Charles III coin

LONDON - A new 50 pence coin featuring King Charles III goes into circulation in the UK.

This follows the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

It is the first major change in coinage in the UK in decades.

There will be 9.6 million new silver coins in circulation.

The effigy is the work of British sculptor Martin Jennings and was personally approved by the new king.

The image of Charles will begin to appear on coins in circulation and on commemorative pieces in the coming months, the Royal Mint said in a statement.

- Additional reporting AFP