New banknotes featuring King Charles III’s portrait have entered circulation, but it may take some time before they become a common sight in wallets and purses.
The new Bank of England notes will gradually replace damaged ones and will be issued as demand increases.
King Charles is only the second monarch to appear on these notes, with Queen Elizabeth II first featured in 1960.
Shoppers can continue to use the current £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes carrying the late Queen’s portrait.
The reverse side of the current polymer Bank of England banknotes, featuring Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing, remains unchanged. Notes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland feature different images and do not depict the monarch.
The first new banknotes were printed last year, providing ample time for automated machines that accept cash to be updated to recognize the new designs. The King’s portrait is based on a photo taken in 2013.
In April of last year, the BBC was given exclusive access to the secure site where the notes are produced. A year later, the King received a full set with the lowest serial numbers, following the tradition of the monarch receiving the first issues of new banknotes.
Collectors seek banknotes that come as close to the 00001 serial number as possible.
