First £1 coins featuring King Charles enter circulation - with nod to monarch's passion for conservation

Almost three million - 2.975 million to be precise - of the new designs will be making their way into people's pockets and tills across the UK this week

The first £1 coins featuring the King have entered circulation, continuing the rollout of new currency designs following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Almost three million - 2.975 million to be precise - of the new designs will be making their way into people's pockets and tills across the UK this week, via post offices and banks.

The "tails" side of the coins depict a pair of British bees, in honour of the King's passion for conservation and the natural world, with the monarch's official coin effigy on the "heads" side.

It follows the issuing of banknotes with the King's portrait in June.

The new coins will continue to circulate alongside ones displaying the image of Queen Elizabeth II, which will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn.

Seven other coins - ranging from the 1p to the £2 - have also been inspired by nature to reflect the King's commitment to the environment.

The designs, which will be introduced in line with demand, are the 1p showing a hazel dormouse, the 2p red squirrel, the 5p oak tree leaf, 10p capercaillie grouse, 20p puffin, and the £2 with the national flowers - rose, daffodil, thistle and shamrock.

The 50p - depicting an Atlantic salmon - was released in November last year.

A public poll by the Royal Mint found that the £1 bee coin was the favourite, closely followed by the 2p red squirrel.

The number indicating the value of the coin has also been enlarged to help children with their counting skills.

"We know there'll be a buzz of excitement amongst collectors and the public to get this special piece of history in their change," said Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint.

"We hope the designs across all denominations spark important conversations about the conservation of these important species."

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