First King Charles III 10p Coins Enter Circulation: How To Spot the Scarcer 2023 Batch

More than seven million King Charles III 10p coins are entering circulation across the UK for the first time, including a much smaller run of just 600,000 pieces dated 2023 that collectors are already eyeing as the scarcer batch. The remaining 6.5 million coins carry the year 2026.

The Royal Mint is releasing them after increased demand for the 10p denomination. They will be distributed through Post Offices and bank branches before appearing in everyday change.

How To Spot the Scarcer 2023 King Charles 10p

Both batches carry the official portrait of King Charles III on the obverse. The easiest way to identify the scarcer version is to check the year beside the portrait.

Collectors should look for 2023 rather than 2026. Only 600,000 of the earlier‑dated coins are entering circulation, while the 2026 issue totals 6.5 million.

That makes the 2023 batch considerably scarcer by mintage. However, a lower circulation figure does not automatically guarantee a high resale price.

Coin values can depend on condition and collector demand. Confirmed errors or unusual variations can also affect what buyers are prepared to pay.

Capercaillie Design on the Reverse

The reverse of the new 10p features a capercaillie, the world's largest grouse. The bird survives in only a small area of Scotland and faces a risk of extinction in Britain.

The design forms part of the Royal Mint's definitive coin series introduced for Charles's reign. The collection highlights flora and fauna found across the British Isles.

The 10p is the fourth denomination bearing Charles's portrait to enter circulation. The 5p, 50p and £1 coins were introduced earlier as the Royal Mint gradually changed the nation's coinage.

Coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender. They will continue circulating alongside Charles coins rather than being withdrawn immediately.

Why the 2023 Date Matters

The 2023 date may initially seem unusual because the coins are only now reaching general circulation. The Royal Mint unveiled the new definitive designs in October 2023. However, denominations have entered public use gradually.

The 600,000‑coin release therefore gives collectors a much smaller pool of 2023‑dated examples to find. The 2026 batch is more than 10 times larger.

The Royal Mint said coins bearing Charles's portrait currently account for only around 1% of the 24.142 billion coins circulating in the UK. It expects the newly released 10p pieces to attract interest as they begin appearing in wallets and tills.

Rebecca Morgan, director at the Royal Mint, described the release as a 'landmark moment' for British coinage. She said people would now begin finding the first 10p coins carrying the King's portrait in their change.

Where the New 10p Coins Will Appear

The coins are being supplied through Post Offices and bank branches across the country. Some will also be available through tills at the Royal Mint Experience in South Wales.

Around 1.4 million UK adults still mainly use cash for everyday spending, according to UK Finance figures cited in current reporting. Cash accounted for 8% of payments in 2025, down from 9% a year earlier.

Anyone checking change for the scarcer King Charles III 10p should focus on the date. Both versions use the capercaillie reverse, but only the smaller 600,000‑coin batch carries the 2023 date.