The British pound is the oldest currency still in use in the world and is also one of the most respected. The complete set of metal coins of the United Kingdom in 2026 is presented by The Royal Mint.

What is the role of coins? They are, of course, a means of exchange, but since ancient times they have also served as a symbol of power. History offers countless examples – as soon as a new monarch ascended the throne, they had new currency minted to seal their rule. Every glance at a coin reminded subjects whom they served, and every foreigner immediately understood whose country they were visiting... Much time has passed since the days of self-important sovereign rulers, but portraits still appear on modern currency. When a coin is adorned with the familiar face of a head of state, it adds prestige and credibility. British coins bore the image of Elizabeth II for many decades, but the queen passed away in 2022. Since 2023, pounds have featured the portrait of her son and successor, King Charles III. It is interesting to note that the design of the coins was influenced by a British tradition dating back to the 17th century. This custom dictates that the profiles of monarchs alternate – because the queen looked to the right, her son looks to the left on the coins.

The coins in the currency set are dedicated to the fauna and flora of different parts of the United Kingdom, reflecting the personal interest of Charles III, who is committed to nature conservation. The individual reverses feature a dormouse (1 p), a squirrel (2 p), an oak tree (5 p), a capercaillie (10 p), a puffin (20 p), a salmon (50 p), bees (1 £), and a rose, daffodil, thistle, and clover (2 £). The last four plants symbolize the four countries of the island kingdom – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The king himself, who personally supervised the preparation of the coins, appears on all the obverse sides. The profile portrait is surrounded by the text CHARLES III DEI GRA REX FID DEF (Charles III, by the grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith).

The coins, which are stored in a common packaging (in English), were minted in "brilliant" quality – they have never been in circulation, which could damage them, and their relief is more detailed than in the case of classic currency.