Posts by Holly
Have You Found a King Charles III Oak Leaf 5p In Your Change?
Have you been lucky enough to spot a King Charles III Oak Leaf 5p coin in your change?
If you haven’t heard, The Royal Mint recently confirmed that 23.3 million Oak Leaf 5p coins have officially entered circulation for the first time, marking a major moment for collectors across the UK.
The coins, dated and minted in October 2023, are entering circulation to meet the growing demand for the 5p denomination. This release marks an exciting new chapter in British numismatic history.
The Mighty Oak Tree: A Symbol of Strength and Heritage
Gracing the reverse of the coin is the oak leaf, a tribute to the Oak tree’s deep roots in British culture and nature. The oak plays a pivotal role in our ecosystems, supporting more wildlife than any other native tree species – a true symbol of life and biodiversity.
It’s also long been associated with monarchs and strength, making it a fitting addition to the nation’s coinage under the reign of King Charles III. Remarkably, this is the first new 5p design to enter circulation in 17 years!
A Special Connection: “Oak” Post Offices
In a delightful twist, The Royal Mint has honoured the coin’s theme by distributing a special batch of the new 5ps to Post Office branches featuring “Oak” in their name -including Oaktree Road Post Office in Southampton, County Oak in Brighton, and The Oaks Post Office in Northern Ireland.
So, if you happen to live near one of these aptly named branches, be sure to check your change – you might just spot an Oak Leaf 5p fresh from the tills!
His Majesty’s Definitive Coin Collection
The new Oak leaf 5p forms part of His Majesty’s Definitive Collection, which draws inspiration from the flora and fauna of the British Isles. Each design celebrates King Charles III’s passion for the natural world and commitment to conservation.
This latest release also becomes the third denomination bearing His Majesty’s portrait to enter circulation. It follows the Salmon 50p and Bee £1 coins introduced since 2022.
What are the rarest 5p coins?
5p coins are often minted in the tens of millions, or even billions! However, the 1977 Crowned Thistle 5p is the rarest with a mintage figure of 24,308,000. Compare this to the 1990 Crowned Thistle 5p which had a circulating mintage of 1,634,976,005 and you’ll see why it’s pretty rare.
The Royal Mint have confirmed a total mintage of 32,400,000 for the 2023 dated King Charles III Oak Leaf 5p, which would rank as the third rarest circulating 5p coin. However, so far just 23.3 million of them have been released into our change – meaning collectors are going to be on the hunt to be among the first to track down this rare 5p!
Guarantee Your Oak Leaf 5p Coin Today
The best way to guarantee an Oak Leaf 5p for your collection in superior Brilliant Uncirculated quality it of course to secure it in the 2025 King Charles III New Coinage Set, along with the other 7 new King Charles III definitive coins, from the 1p to the £2.
Add the 2025 King Charles III New Coinage Set to your collection >>